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Hand scrubbing (last resort)
Also called: manual cleaning
If you must scrub by hand, use a long-handled brush and heavy gloves.
Hand scrubbing is the riskiest way to clean because your hands are close to sharp, contaminated tips. When it is necessary, CDC says to use a long-handled brush to keep your hand away from the sharp ends and to wear puncture-resistant heavy-duty utility gloves. Keeping the instruments under the water line while you scrub limits splashing.
What you do
- Scrub one or a few instruments at a time, low in the sink, with the brush pointed away from you.
Safety and care
- Wear utility gloves, mask, eye protection or face shield and a gown.
- Never reach into a sink of soapy water you cannot see into; use a strainer basket and forceps.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), CDC. Best Practices for Sterilization in Dental Settings (Dental Infection Prevention FAQs)