Dental Unit Waterline Testing (DUWT)
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry has been identifying potential microbiologic problems in dental unit water lines (DUWLs) since 2000. The CDC guidelines for infection control in Dental Health-care Settings (2003) state that the number of heterotrophic bacteria in water used as a coolant/irrigant for nonsurgical dental procedures should be as low as reasonably achieved, with a minimum of <500 CFU/mL. This is the same regulatory standard that EPA and APHA/AWWA require for safe drinking water. We are actively involved in ANSI/ADA Specification 107 which works with, Chemical agents for the control of biofilm in dental unit water systems and we routinely participate in round robin tests to establish the U.S. standard for the prevention, inactivation, and removal of biofilm from DUWLs. We work closely with manufacturers to evaluate the efficacy of new products for DUWL disinfection by using the standard DUWL biocide test apparatus.
We offer the following:
- Affordable pricing
- Professional laboratory water testing
- Reporting of the EXACT heterotrophic bacteria counts
- Sterilized sample containers and ice packs provided
- Reports available within eight to ten days
- A certificate after all test results meet CDC goals (<500 CFU/ml)
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News
Study highlights importance of waterline infection control
JADA: Dental unit waterline infection control practice
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections