Disinfection and sterilization in dentistry. Use of potentiated glutaraldehyde (DIBA-GLAXO) in the water systems of dentistry units: analysis of microbiological activity, physico-chemical compatibility and residues in washing water.

Glutaraldehyde is a potent sterilizing agent with a very broad-spectrum of biocidal activity including Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, spores and viruses such as HBV and HIV (the aetiological agents responsible for hepatitis B and AIDS, respectively). The aim of this study was to evaluate, in experimental conditions simulating the operative risk in dental practice, a 2% potentiated acid glutaraldehyde-based product (DIBA-GLAXO) not only in the disinfection and sterilization of the water circuits of dental units, but also with regard to physico-chemical compatibility, as well as from the toxicological viewpoint. DIBA, in the dental unit disinfection cycle, proved capable of destroying the bacterial cultures of all 16 pathogens used to contaminate artificially the water circuits of the unit handpieces. When the contamination was produced using bacterial spores, 5 hours of contact were sufficient to obtain sterility. The residual concentrations of glutaraldehyde in the circuit washing water, after optimization of the washing process, may be regarded as safe for the patient. Lastly, the product analysed was found to be compatible with the mechanical components of dental unit water circuits. No corrosion phenomena were observed even after total immersion in DIBA for a period equivalent to approximately 20,000 disinfection cycles.