| abstract |
An automated antimicrobial (AMB) Flush System (11) and method for disinfecting a medical or dental handpiece unit (2). In a first PM (evening) cycle, disinfectant solution is first passed through a hose (6) of the dental unit (2), then the hoses (6) are rinsed or purged with water, and finally by air or vacuum. The air is provided prior to extended periods of non-use for drying the hose (6) which assists in preventing microbial (biofilm) growth therein. Prior to reuse an AM (daytime) cycle is run, in which the hose (6a-d) is again flushed with disinfectant solution and then purged with water to make the dental unit (2) ready for use. The dental unit (2) is made inoperative, locked-out, while the AMB flush system (11) is in operation, and until the hose (6a-d) has been finally purged of water. The AMB Flush System may be retrofit on present dental units or integrated therewith. A programmable timer (846) is disclosed for initiating the operation of the AMB Flush System (11) at times preselected by the operator. The AM cycle must be run after the PM cycle. That is, as an extra safety precaution, the dental unit (2) may not be restarted directly after the PM cycle is run. |