Monitoring of Dental Unit Water Lines to Prevent Infection in Patients
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network Advisory emphasizing proper maintenance of dental equipment after multiple bacterial outbreaks were traced back to dental clinics.
The CDC recommends periodically testing the bacterial quality of the water. The SHL routinely performs this test, called a heterotrophic plate count, and will provide the collection bottles, cooler, and instructions to dental practices wishing to test their waterlines. Collection kit bottle orders may be placed by contacting SHL Client Services at 319-335-4500. For technical questions, please contact Ryan Jepson at ryan-jepson@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-4269.
