The introduction of the updated Australian Standard AS4187:2014 and new terminology for reprocessing reusable medical devices (RMD's) such as handpieces, is a timely reminder for all practices to insure they comply with the latest infection control guidelines.

1. NEWS & EVENTS COVER STORY YOUR BUSINESS YOUR LIFEPRODUCT GUIDE
ADVERTORIAL
PRODUCT GUIDE
Push button
Gears and ball bearings
Spray channels
T
he introduction of the updated
Australian Standard
AS4187:2014 and new
terminology for reprocessing
reusable medical devices (RMDs) such
as handpieces, is a timely reminder for
all practices to ensure they comply with
the latest infection control guidelines.
The release of the updated 4187
Standard in December 2014 has
implications for all HSOs (health service
organisations) such as dental practices.
It is the obligation of each practice to
obtain a copy of the standard, which is
available from SAI Global InfoStore. This
change to the 4187 Standard - updated
from 2003 - brings it in line with
corresponding international standards,
including the ISO15883 for WDs
(washer disinfectors).
According to AS4187:2014,
automated RMD cleaning units must
use an effective cleaning agent to
remove contaminants, and the internal
air and water passages of reusable
medical devices (RMDs) must be
properly cleaned by the process.
In addition, under ADA guidelines
(2012) it is strongly recommended that
automated ‘flush-through’ devices are
used for lubricating handpieces because
of their lower dosing rates compared to
pressurised spray lubricants applied by
hand. This is because over-lubrication
may impede effective steam sterilization.
Today, automatic handpiece units play
a primary role in instrument
reprocessing, but not all
‘cleaning’ and lubricating
units operate the same way,
warns W&H Territory
Manager for Australia and
New Zealand, Chris Jobson.
Mr Jobson said proper
cleaning was vital as dental
handpieces with their narrow
transmission channels and
angled internal chambers
placed increased
requirements on thorough
reprocessing. This is true of
all turbine and contra-angle
handpieces, which may be
exposed to blood, saliva,
secretions and tissue.
In addition, there are also
technical contaminants such as
particles resulting from abrasion and oil
residues, as well as contaminants
potentially contained in dental unit-
supplied water (coolant) and
compressed air supply lines.
“On the Australian market there are
some handpiece maintenance units that
claim ’cleaning & lubrication’ yet do not
offer evidence to support the outcome of
the cleaning process which means in
effect they only lubricate, which may
make them unsuitable for adequate
reprocessing of dental handpieces,” Mr
Jobson said.
“The new European designed W&H
Assistina ‘3x3’ was designed with W&H’s
mantra in mind—‘prove what you claim’.
The internal and external cleaning
process has been validated by an
independent hygiene institute. (The
report is available online at wh.com). The
Assistina meets the new standard with a
validated cleaning process, while also
dramatically streamlining instrument
reprocessing by being able to internally
and externally clean, and internally
lubricate up to three instruments in just
6 ½ minutes—saving time and money.”
In conjunction with the W&H ‘Lisa’
Class B sterilizer, instruments can be
completely cleaned, dried and sterilized
in just 20 minutes (approximately 6
minutes in the Assistina 3x3 and 14
minutes using the fast cycle of the latest
Lisa Automatic Sterilizer). Lisa’s
dedicated Class B cycles and inbuilt
traceability options make the W&H
reprocessing system a practical and
effective method of complying with the
latest infection control standards.
Both the Assistina 3x3 and Lisa
sterilizer are available through A-dec
dealers phone 1800 225 100.
For more information visit wh.com
Infection control product guide
36 Bite magazine
Updated standard
a reminder for
infection control