Question

Factor which may diminish the effectiveness of the various sterilizers used in the dental office

Answer 1

Factors that could diminish the effectiveness of various sterilizers include:

·         Cleanliness – if the professional has failed in cleaning the instruments, it could result in bioburden, where it could be responsible of having decrease efficacy of the sterilization.

·         Lumen length and diameter – If there is increase or decrease of lumen length and diameter which is not even applicable for penetration, it could be one of the factors of impairing the penetration of the sterilant used, especially if they needed a require forced flow which couldn’t be provided because of impaired length and diameter.

·         Pathogen – organisms that could disrupt the sterilant could decrease sterilization, that is why it is best to test the instruments used before usage.