The document discusses an updated Australian standard (AS4187:2014) for reprocessing reusable medical devices such as dental handpieces. It notes that automated cleaning units must now use effective cleaning agents to properly clean internal passages. It also discusses that over-lubrication can impede sterilization, so "flush-through" lubrication is recommended. The W&H Assistina cleaning unit is highlighted as validating its cleaning process and meeting the new standard while streamlining reprocessing to clean and lubricate up to three instruments in just 6.5 minutes.

1. 10 auxiliary May/June 2015
news | EVENTS
T
he introduction of the
updated Australian
Standard AS4187:2014
and new terminology
for reprocessing reus-
able 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 implica-
tions for all HSOs (health service organi-
sations) such as dental practices.
It is the obligation of each practice to
obtain a copy of the standard, which is
available from SAI Global. This change
to the 4187 Standard - updated from 2003
- brings it in line with corresponding
international standards, including the
ISO15883 for washer disinfector units.
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, says W&H
Territory Manager for Australia and New
Zealand, Mr 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 repro-
cessing of dental handpieces,” he 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 Assis-
tina meets the new standard with a vali-
dated cleaning process, while at the same
time 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 sterilised
in just 20 minutes (approximately 6 min-
utes 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 Australia
dealers phone 1800-225-100. For more
information, visit wh.com.
Updated standard for infection control