delivery systems (DDSs), consisting of a chair, unit, and light; portable dental units; surgical table and chair; and X-ray apparatus. For the chemical disinfection of noncritical category items, use the following procedures:
Disinfect the DDS at least daily.
Use disposable barriers since they reduce the number of surfaces requiring disinfection.
Change paper or plastic headrest and bracket tray covers after each patient. If headrest covers are not available, disinfect the headrest after each patient.
Disinfect hand-operated controls, switches, and handles after each patient.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions when disinfecting the lamp head and protective shield.
Flush HVE and saliva ejector tubing and cuspidor weekly with a central evacuation system cleaner. Use more often as needed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Anesthetic cartridges for nonsurgical use should be dispensed under unit dose guidelines to prevent contamination of bulk supplies. Use only individual dose dental carpules and discard them after use. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Since disinfectants can diffuse through the diaphragm and contaminate the anesthetic solution, do not store cartridges in these agents.
Note: All noncritical category items require at least intermediate-level disinfection as shown in table 10-4.
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