Can you identify the breach(es) in infection prevention and safety procedures in this photo taken of instruments about to be sterilized?  Answer below.
This resource was reprinted with the permission of OSAP.  OSAP is a non-profit organization providing information and education on dental infection and education on dental infection control and office safety.  OSAP does not endorse any company or product.  For more information, please call 1-800-298-6727 or go to www.OSAP.org.














ANSWER: The instruments have not been properly packaged in FDA-cleared sterilization wrap, pouch or bag which serves to maintain sterility after sterilization and during storage.  The instruments are not properly packaged and labeled with sterilizer used, cycle or load number and date of sterilization; there is no visible use of chemical or biological indicator.  The dental assistant should be wearing heavy-duty utility gloves; it is hoped the exam gloves shown are not the same ones used during patient care.