Disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid impression material with chlorinated compounds.

Irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) impressions are dimensionally unstable and difficult to disinfect. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a chlorite disinfectant (Presept) and a new formulation chlorine dioxide based disinfectant (Aseptrol) on irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) impression material. Alginate blocks were contaminated with Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Bacillus subtilis spores. The blocks were placed either in sterile distilled water as control, or in 48-ppm Aseptrol or Presept solution containing organic matter. Immersion times were 30 seconds, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 5 minutes. The blocks were then placed in sterile 0.5% sodium thiosulphate neutralizer and surviving organisms were harvested and counted using the serial dilution technique followed by culturing on appropriate media. The anti-microbial efficacy of the solution was tested for 37 days. There was a consistent significant reduction (99.99%) in all tests of vegetative organisms after immersion in the Aseptrol for 30 seconds, and for spores after 1.5 minutes. It was effective against vegetative organisms for up to 27 days for a 30-second exposure. Presept significantly reduced (99.99%) C. albicans, S. aureus and S. mutans in 30 seconds, P. aeruginosa in 60 seconds, but for B. subtilis spores took at least 5 minutes. It was effective against vegetative organisms for >37 days for a 30-second exposure. Within the limits of this study it was found that both compounds effectively disinfected the alginate in the presence of organic material, but that Aseptrol did so after an immersion time of only 1.5 minutes. This immersion time is less likely to affect the dimensional properties of the impression material. The short action time of Aseptrol may make it ideal for the disinfection of alginate impressions, and it may also find many uses for disinfection and possible sterilisation.