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High-volume evacuator (HVE)

Also called: HVE, high-speed suction, big suction

A wide suction tip that pulls fluids, debris and spray out of the mouth.

The HVE is the large-bore suction tip the assistant holds during drilling, scaling and polishing. It removes water, saliva, debris and much of the aerosol (fine spray) that the handpiece and scaler make. It is much stronger than the small saliva ejector.

How to spot it

  • A thick hose with a wide, slanted plastic or metal tip and an on/off valve on the handle.

What it is used for

  • Hold the tip near the tooth being treated (on the cheek or tongue side, depending on the area) without sucking in the cheek or tongue.
  • Keep the opening close to the work area to catch spray at the source.

Safety and care

  • Use a new disposable tip each patient (or sterilize reusable tips); barrier the handle.
  • Lines are flushed and cleaned per office protocol with an evacuation cleaner that is safe for the amalgam separator.

Related

Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), Dentsply Sirona. Purevac HVE System positioning guide (748389 Rev. 1), eCFR. 40 CFR 441.30 Pretreatment standards for existing sources (dental offices)