Abstract

MALTA, Cristiana P et al. Microbiological contamination in digital radiography: evaluation at the radiology clinic of an educational institution. Acta odontol. latinoam. [online]. 2016, vol.29, n.3, pp.239-247. ISSN 1852-4834.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination rate of intraand extraoral digital Xray equipment in a dental radiology clinic at a public educational institution. Samples were collected on three different days, at two times in the day: in the morning, before attending patients, and at the end of the day, after appointment hours and before cleaning and disinfection procedures. Samples were collected from the periapical Xray machine (tube head, positioning device, control panel and activator button), the panoramic Xray machine (temporal support, bite block, control panel and activator button), the intraoral digital system (sensor), and the digital system computers (keyboard and mouse). The samples were seeded in different culture media, incubated, and colonyforming units (CFU/mL) counted. Biochemical tests were performed for suspected colonies of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Gramnegative bacilli (GNB). Fungi were visually differentiated into filamentous fungi and yeasts. The results indicated the growth of fungi and Staphylococcus from all sampling locations. GNB growth was observed from all sites sampled from the intraoral Xray equipment. On the panoramic unit, GNB growth was observed in samples from activator button, keyboard and mouse. In general, a higher number of CFU/mL was present before use. It can be concluded that more stringent protocols are needed to control infection and prevent Xray exams from acting as vehicle for cross contamination.

Keywords : Radiology; Digital radiography; Infection control; Microorganisms; Bacteria; Fungi.

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