Australasian Dentist Issue 93

CATEGORY 10 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST N WS W ith increased emphasis on infection control in the current pandemic environment, there is a new focus on ensuring dental unit waterline quality is adequately maintained. A-dec ProductMarketingManager, Shal Hafiz says that together with daily waterline maintenance with a proven solution like A-dec ICX tablets, it’s important to monitor water quality and apply shock treatment as prescribed by local guidelines. A-dec ICX Renew – launched in Australia inMay, is the perfect complement to A-dec’s self-contained waterline system to ensure the highest quality water is delivered to patients. ICX Renew shock treatment is part of the ‘A-dec 360 Maintenance’ approach which includes regular waterline maintenance; waterline quality monitoring; and periodic shock treatment. ICXRenewis anodourless formula that clears deposits and contamination which can build up over time, without harming plastic tubing or corroding dental unit components, unlike some harsh treatments. “Contaminated water lines can cause odour and foul-tasting water that can also present a potential health risk,” Mr Hafiz said. The latest ADA Infection Control Guidelines suggest a shock treatment if CFU (coliform forming units) reach 200 CFU/mL. “Shock treatments are required periodically to clean dental unit waterlines, and more often if dental units have been left unused for any period, such as over a holiday break,” Mr Hafiz said. He said A-dec dealers now offer a waterline testing service using a highly accurate and rapid 2-minute high-tech Lumitester device. This water testing service could easily be incorporated in clinics as part of routine equipment servicing. “It is good practice to test microbial levels in water lines quality regularly – at least every six months, as this is a good protocol to ensure dental unit waterline quality is not forgotten,” Mr Hafiz said. “In keeping with ADA Guide­ lines, A-dec recommends a three- step: ‘Maintain, Monitor, and Shock’ approach to keeping water lines clean. “Monitoring requirements will depend on your water quality and the clinic’s individual requirements,” Mr Hafiz said. “Initially, test water once a month. If the results pass your specified action level (i.e. 200 CFU/mL), then reduce the testing protocol to at least every six months.” Mr Hafiz said the A-dec 360 Maintenance system took the uncertainty out of dental unit waterline maintenance, ensuring water quality and patient safety was maintained, and that equipment was protected. “Some testing systems are inaccurate and take up to 72 hours to produce a result, which could mean you are using contaminated water on patients while awaiting your test results. “A-dec’s Lumitester digital water testing system produces an accurate result in just two minutes, without the need for cumbersome and potentially inaccurate manual counts. “If your test triggers an action level, treat you dental units with ICX Renew liquid shock treatment. ICX Renew has a visual indicator which turns the dental unit waterline water blue, indicating the shock treatment is at work in the waterline. After the prescribed sitting time, the lines are flushed until they are clear and are then ready to be refilled with clean water and a regular ICX tablet matching the size of the self-contained water bottle.” Mr Hafiz said both ICX and ICX Renew were safe to use in dental units and are non-corrosive and gentle on equipment and will not corrode or clog waterlines. “Some other shock treatments use harsh chemicals which can harm dental tubing, diaphragms, ‘O’ rings and other soft components,” he said. A-dec ICX, ICX Renew, and the 2-minute Lumitester digital waterline testing service are all available from your local A-dec dealer. u Contact A-dec on 1800 225 010 or visit: australia.a-dec.com to find your nearest authorised A-dec dealer or representative. Proven 3-Step water treatment protocol