Infection ControlQuestion 74 of 100
What is the recommended maximum bacterial count for water used in nonsurgical dental treatment delivered through the dental unit?
a.No more than 500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria
b.No more than 5,000 CFU/mL
c.No more than 50,000 CFU/mL
d.There is no recommended limit for dental unit water
Explanation
Dental unit water used for nonsurgical procedures should contain no more than 500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria, the same standard applied to safe drinking water. Counts of 5,000 or 50,000 CFU/mL indicate biofilm growth in the waterlines and require treatment of the system. Sterile solutions delivered through a sterile device are used for surgical procedures instead.
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