Effect of in-line bacteriological filters on numbers of heterotrophic bacteria in water emitted from non-autoclavable dental air-water syringes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of in-line bacteriological filters on the heterotrophic bacterial count of water from non-autoclavable dental air-water syringes.


METHODS
In-line bacteriological filters were placed in the waterlines of non-autoclavable dental air-water syringes. Filters were placed either as close as possible to the air-water syringe or at a distance of approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the air-water syringe. After routine flushing of water lines and air-water syringes, water samples were collected aseptically. Samples were diluted, plated on NWRI agar, and incubated, and numbers of heterotrophic bacteria per ml were determined.


RESULTS
Filtration substantially reduced heterotrophic contamination of air-water syringe water when the filter was placed immediately adjacent to the air-water syringe. However, there was no beneficial effect when the filter was at a distance from the air-water syringe. Furthermore, filtered water containing no detectable heterotrophic bacteria was re-contaminated upon passage through the non-autoclavable air-water syringe.
Mayo
J A
JA
jmayo@lsusd.lsumc.edu
Brown
C E
CE
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology; D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000382:microbiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013594:Syringes / Q000382:microbiology*; D014871:Water Microbiology