title: Using a biological indicator to detect potential sources of cross-contamination in the dental operatory.
abstract: The authors conducted a study using surveillance monitoring methodology to identify operatory contamination and to evaluate the effectiveness of infection control procedures. Viridans streptococci were evaluated as biological indicators of oral contamination. Viridans streptococci, abundant in human saliva, were detected on operatory surfaces after dental treatments were finished and surfaces were disinfected. The findings validate current concepts of infection control as demonstrated in barrier methods.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University Health and Safety Office 27514, USA.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Hackney
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tulis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D003470:Culture Media; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004203:Disinfection; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003470:Culture Media; D004202:Disinfectants