title: Dental handpiece contamination: a proteomics and surface analysis approach.
abstract: Dental handpieces (DHPs) become biofouled internally with patient derived material that is difficult to access for removal and inactivation. This study undertook a quantitative and qualitative investigation of protein contamination of internal components from three different types of DHP: the turbine, slow speed contra-angle and surgical. Eluates from the high speed turbine, low speed spray channels and surgical gear were assayed for protein using an orthophthaldehyde assay. Eluates concentrated by Amicon ultrafiltration were also analysed by SDS-PAGE, mass spectroscopy, Western blotting and ELISA. The surfaces of handpiece components were also investigated by SEM, EFSCAN and EDAX microscopy. Surgical gears contained highest levels of protein (403 μg), followed by low speed spray channels (17.7 μg) and the high speed turbine (<5 μg). Mass spectroscopy of surgical gears demonstrated mostly serum derived proteins. Decontamination of the DHPs using an automated washer disinfector and handpiece irrigator showed a significant reduction in residual protein levels.
authors.affiliation: a Institute of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK ;
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Lappin
authors.forename: Helen C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Baxter
mesh_terms: D057219:Biofouling; D003666:Decontamination; D003762:Dental Instruments; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D004203:Disinfection; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D040901:Proteomics; D013242:Sterilization