Dental practices tighten sterilisation regulations
Dental practices across America are tightening their sterilisation protocol in the light of the high-profile sterilisation blunder in St Louis.
Just a few weeks ago, more than 1,800 veterans received a letter advising them to have a blood test, after it was revealed that sterilisation procedures at the John Cochran facility in St Louis were not being followed correctly. Poor sterilisation procedures can contribute to the spread of serious infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Investigations are currently underway at the Veteran’s Association facility and patients are still in the process of having tests and getting the results; so far, four cases of Hepatitis have been recorded but the source of the infection has not yet been confirmed.
In light of the St Louis incident and sterilisation blunders in the past, a number of dentists are adopting a more rigorous protocol in order to prevent accidents and incidents in the future. It is hoped that a more diligent approach will help to prevent the spread of infectious disease and illness in the future.
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