title: The practice of disinfection of high-speed handpieces with 70% w/v alcohol: An evaluation.
abstract: A high-speed handpiece is used in several dental procedures and the official recommendation for safe decontamination consists of rinsing with water, washing with detergent, mechanical friction, and sterilization; however, many professionals only apply 70% w/v alcohol without also cleaning the tool between patients. We performed an analysis of high-speed handpieces reprocessed only with 70% w/v alcohol and found that the methods used in clinical practice are not safe.
authors: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: flaviamoraisgp@gmail.com.
authors: Flávia Morais Gomes
authors: FM
authors: Pinto
authors: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Camila Quartim de Moraes
authors: CQ
authors: Bruna
authors: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Tamara Carolina
authors: TC
authors: Camargo
authors: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Maíra
authors: M
authors: Marques
authors: Department of Hospital Infection Control of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Cely Barretos
authors: CB
authors: Silva
authors: Department of Hospital Infection Control of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Suzete M
authors: SM
authors: Sasagawa
authors: Department of Hospital Infection Control of Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericordia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Lycia Maria Jenné
authors: LM
authors: Mimica
authors: Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Kazuko Uchikawa
authors: KU
authors: Graziano
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003748:Dental Equipment / Q000382:microbiology*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D004202:Disinfectants
keywords: Dental high-speed equipment; Dental infection; Ethanol; Infection control; Nursing; Sterilization