INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES

• Published in: The professional medical journal Vol. 25; no. 12; pp. 1933 - 1936
• Main Authors: Samejo, Imran, Das, Gotam, Rana, Muhammad Haseeb, Hussain, Muhammad Waqar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 08.12.2018
• ISSN: 1024-8919; 2071-7733
• DOI: 10.29309/TPMJ/18.4957

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and infection control practices among private dental laboratories in Karachi. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Private Dental Laboratories of Karachi. Period: 01st September 2017 to 01st February 2018. Materials and Methods: A pre structured questionnaire comprised of 09 questions regarding infection control was used to collect the data. A total 35 questionnaires were given to dental technicians. 29 questionnaires were obtained out of 35 distributed (response rate: 83%). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Gloves were not worn by 76% of respondents while receiving the clinical items. Protective eyeglasses and protective face shield were not worn by 38% and 13% of respondents respectively during laboratory work. Few 13% of respondents were vaccinated against the hepatitis b virus. Clinical items were disinfected by 17% of respondents if not disinfected by dental clinic. Laboratory work was not disinfected by 90% of respondents before sending to clinic. Pumice slurry and water of pressure pot were changed by 6% and 6% respectively. Regarding infection control measure impose financial burden, 83% of respondents were agreed. Conclusion: The knowledge and practices of infection control were poor and below acceptable standards in private dental laboratories.