Prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis B. Part IV: The effect of impression material on glutaraldehyde solution.

Immersion of dental impressions in 2% glutaraldehyde has been shown to be an effective disinfection procedure for viral contamination. This study compared the effect of immersing impression materials on the concentrations of glutaraldehyde. Contamination with saliva slightly affected the concentration of glutaraldehyde. Irreversible hydrocolloid impression material markedly decreased the concentration of glutaraldehyde, whereas the immersion of silicone rubber impression material only slightly affected the concentration of glutaraldehyde. Attention should be paid to the concentration of glutaraldehyde solution when irreversible hydrocolloid impression material is immersed in the disinfectant.