Cross-infection potential of impression compound.

Arpana Devi

Pacific health dialog 2009 Nov

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To determine the cross-infection potential of impression compound as used clinically in certain developing country settings. Microbiological tests were conducted on impression compound that are reused at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Fiji, to detect the presence of bacteria. Swabs of impression compounds were taken to identify the critical points at which bacteria may survive on the compound leading to the potential introduction of organisms into a patient's mouth. For plates showing growth, colonies were observed and identified using Gram staining, Microbact identification kits and other biochemical tests. Transfer of viable organisms from patient's mouths was found on the compound at all stages of the impression process. Improper disinfection and storage of impression compound and trays allowed for the introduction of hospital pathogens on the compound that were not initially present from the patients. Financial constraints may tempt the reuse of impression compound; they should however not be reused on different patients and appropriate universal precautions must be followed to decrease the likelihood of cross-contamination.