Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J J Crawford

Publications and source records attributed to J J Crawford.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Current status of Occupational Safety and Health Administration infection control regulations.

In the wake of widespread hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, and other bloodborne infections, organizations of health care employees have asked the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address the reduction of infection risks encountered in the delivery of private and institutional health care. The task is much the same as reducing job related risks in industry. This article explains and reviews interim OSHA infection control regulations that apply to dentistry now, anticipating a final rule soon to be released by OSHA. Helpful forms, details, and information sources are provided.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1990

Evaluation of a dental unit designed to prevent retraction of oral fluids.

Most older units that drive high-speed dental handpieces include a retraction device designed to prevent dripping of fluids from the water-spray line after the unit has been turned off. Oral fluids and debris may be drawn, along with water, into the water line. Bacteria and debris, unless deliberately flushed out of the water line, may be transmitted to the next patient. Most new units now have mechanisms to prevent retraction. A new dental control unit, designed to eliminate mechanical aspiration of oral fluids, was tested. A kit to test the level of retraction in the water-spray line was also examined. The new unit was found to be effective in protecting the unit water from contamination by oral microorganisms, thereby protecting patients from cross-contamination. However, the control of retraction did not prevent the colonization of the water line by aquatic bacteria. Both internal and external sources of microorganisms must be controlled.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1979

Office sterilization and asepsis procedures in endodontics.

Available evidence that there has been an epidemic of hepatitis B in the population since the 1960s and of the vulnerability of clinical dental and endodontic personnel has indicated a need to improve general asepsis procedures to guard against the spread of infection, and to improve screening for possible carriers. Specific improvements in personal protection, surface disinfectants and procedures, and control of bacterial populations in dental water units as well as broader use of instrument sterilization can provide safer conditions of treatment for patients and personnel alike. Monitoring of asepsis can increase awareness and guide improvements of skills in aseptic treatment, and improved methods of transporting samples can improve recovery of anaerobic pathogens for determinations of antibiotic susceptibility.

Antisepsis↗
PubMed1975

New light on the transmissibility of viral hepatitis in dental practice and its control.

Evidence of an increase in the nonparenteral spread of viral hepatitis is of much concern in dentistry and supports the need for sterilization of all instruments used in intraoral treatments. Methods for the rapid sterilization of all dental handpieces and air-water syringes are still inadequate for routine clinical use. It may be possible to improve surface disinfection of these items by more thorough, repeated cleansing with common disinfectants and by the use of stronger germicidal agents such as aldehydes. However, for handpieces and some other equipment, effective sterilization methods must be developed or the instruments must be modified so they can be safely and rapidly sterilized. Surface disinfectants that will destroy hepatitis viruses are needed for disinfection of the dental unit. The use of gloves is also an important consideration for the protection of both the dentist and his patient. The high attack rate of hepatitis among surgeons, as well as patient protection, make the wearing of gloves during surgery imperative. Evidence that aerosolborne viruses would be removed by filtered laminar air flow or by face masks is not available, but use of these devices reduces exposure of personnel to aerosols in general and appears to be highly desirable. Sterilization of all possible instruments is advocated for use in all institutions and dental offices. Careful monitoring of the effectiveness of sterilization also is advocated. These concepts and new information on which they are based should be incorporated into dental curriculums and continuing education courses for all dentists and auxiliary personnel.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Failure of rabbit anti-Streptococcus mutans serum to penetrate in vitro plaque.

An indirect fluorescent antibody technique indicated that specific antiserums did not penetrate in vitro plaque formed by Streptococcus mutans. Specific reactions did occur between the antiserums and antigens in the surface layers of plaque globules. Measurements of plaque diameters indicated that the serums exerted a nonspecific effect of enhancing plaque growth.

Animals↗