Sterilization effects of five kinds of autoclaves on dental handpieces

Objective To evaluate the effect of sterilization of five kinds of autoclaves on dental handpieces. Methods ELISA was used to evaluate the effect of sterilization of five kinds of autoclaves on dental handpieces which were contaminated by HBsAg in lab. Sterility testing was used to evaluate the effect of sterilization of five kinds of autoclaves on dental handpieces which were contaminated in clinic. At the same time, Geobacillus sterarothermophilus was used to assess the effect of sterilization of five kinds of autoclaves.Results The results of bio-indicators in the five kinds of autoclaves were all negative, and the killing rates were all 100%. All dental handpieces sterilized by two of five kinds of autoclaves did not exhibit HBsAg antigenicity, but there was one of 30 samples exhibited HBsAg antigenicity after sterilized by each of the three autoclaves.Conclusion The effect of sterilization of the tested autoclaves is reliable. Other tests need to be done in order to confirm whether HBV can be destroyed by autoclave.