REPROCESSINGINSTRUCTIONSFORDENTALBURS.docVIP

REPROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DENTAL ROTARY INSTRUMENTS STERILIZATION USING STEAM SCOPE These instructions are applicable to the processing of SS White Group tungsten carbide, diamond and steel dental rotary instruments (burs) before first use and each reuse. Dental rotary instruments are supplied mechanically clean but are not sterile. They should therefore be sterilized before first use. Steel burs are single use devices and the instructions therefore only apply to processing before first use. WARNINGS Used burs should be considered as contaminated and appropriate handling precautions should be taken during reprocessing. Gloves, eye protection and a mask should be worn. Other measures may be required if there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks from the patient. LIMITATIONS OF PROCESSING With the exception of steel burs, which are single use devices, reprocessing will have little effect on SS White Group dental burs. The end of life is determined by wear and damage in use and the burs should be inspected for defects during the preliminary cleaning process. CONTAINMENT AT THE POINT OF USE Unless there are specific infection or cross-contamination risks, there are no special requirements for containment. The burs can be transported wet or dry and should be protected from damage to the cutting edges. If transported wet there is an increased chance of staining or corrosion. Prolonged storage in disinfectant solutions may result in corrosion and should be avoided. Delay in reprocessing must be kept to a minimum to avoid contaminants drying thereby making cleaning more difficult. If the delay is excessive burs must be manually cleaned before auto cleaning (see manual cleaning method below). PREPARATION FOR CLEANING There are no special requirements unless infection controls require the use of a disinfectant, in which case a disinfectant agent validated for processing of dental burs must be used and the disinfectant manufacturers’