Custom-made Medical Devices Execution: Infection Control Procedures Narrative Review

Introduction: Cross-infection between clinical and laboratory environments can occur in the absence of adequate biosafety procedures when carrying out Custom-made Medical Devices (CmMD). Objectives: Descriptive review of CmMD definition and enumeration of the main infection prevention/control methods, between clinical/laboratory environments, that can be applied to devices used when performing a CmMD. Methods: Search in PubMed between the years 2000-2015, with the keywords "dental prostheses", "disinfection protocols", "cross infection", "Infection control prosthodontic", "dental office", "dental impression disinfection", "sterilization", "dental laboratory." Four hundred four articles were identified. Methodology included narrative/systematic reviews and observational surveys. Results: Twenty-six publications were selected. Infection prevention/control methods were identified for the main devices used in the several steps (impressions, records, casts) of CmMD execution (acrylic and metal structures). Literature registers various methods, such as physical (autoclaving, UV, microwave, plasma), chemicals (different ranges of antimicrobial spectrum Disinfectants, by Spray and Immersion) and mixed (ultrasound). Transportation between clinical/laboratory settings should be done in container, which prevents leakage. Literature controversy over the choices that may be used when preparing for transport MD potentially contaminated and, gaps on the potential effects that these methods can produce to the used devices. Studies are needed to analyze the potential effects induced by the procedures in various stages of execution a CmMD. Conclusions: Infection prevention/control measures when performing a CmMD minimize cross-contamination between clinical/laboratory environments. Clinical Implications: Effective communication and application of appropriate biosafety procedures can promote protection of patient, professional teams involved and environments. Keywords: dental prostheses, disinfection protocols, cross infection, Infection control prosthodontic, dental office, dental impression disinfection, sterilization, dental laboratory