Protocol for clinical use, handling, transportation and hygienization of tissue fields for surface protection in dentistry.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Administration of excess waste produced, mainly in clinical settings, is currently seen as
a public health problem. This scenario is due to the need to control contamination, reflected in the use of
disposables as a means of guaranteeing the principles of biosafety. However, it is possible to use reusable
items that adhere to biosafety standards, with the help of the correct methods of hygiene and sterilization.
Dental tissue fields are a sustainable alternative to replacing the disposable fields. OBJECTIVE: This study
proposes a protocol for the use of reusable fields as work table and ancillary work, presenting suggestions
for transportation, handling and washing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted
on information on the use of tissue fields, biosafety in the dental clinic and regulations for disinfection of
materials and surfaces in Brazil. RESULT: Through image editing programs, an illustrative summary with
simplified infographic protocol with eight steps of execution was developed. CONCLUSION: Although
contaminated tissue fields are potentially contaminated, the risk of transmission of diseases to professionals
and to patients who maintain direct contact with this tissue becomes negligible when properly handled,
sanitized and sterilized. With this work, we intend to offer an alternative safe use for these reusable fields,
besides fomenting the discussion about the excessive production of garbage in the clinical environment.
KEYWORDS: Containment of Biohazards; Program Evaluation; Environment; Sterilization; Infection Control