Aquavial Quickcheck (Results in 30 Min)

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AquaVial QuickCheck is designed specifically for use in dental offices. The test produces results equivalent to laboratory Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) using R2A media, with a 7 day incubation period. In minutes, detect a wide range of hard-to-detect microorganisms such as Legionella and Mycobacteria, using regular in-office test kits.

“Microbial counts in newly installed dental waterlines can reach as high as 200 000 colony forming units per milliliter within 5 days."

• Early dectection of bacteria, fungi and biofilm in waterlines
• Convenient, test in-office
• Fast results in 30 minutes
• Colour coded results
• Compatible with all waterline cleaners and disinfectants
• Compliant with ADA guidelines

Why do I need to test my dental waterlines?
According to both CDC1 and ADA2, the water used in routine dental treatment needs to meet EPA regulatory standards for drinking water (less than 500 CFU/mL). “The only way to ensure effectiveness of a dental unit waterline cleaning regimen is to actually test the water coming out of the unit.” ADA

The CDC maintains a webpage for FAQs pertaining to Dental Unit Water Quality which can be accessed at:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/dental-unit-water-quality.html

Are there recommended protocols for a failed test? Should the unit be shut down until reshocking and testing?

As a matter of policy, Ask OSAP does not review, evaluate, certify, recommend or endorse products. Ask OSAP is also not in the position to provide technical support for specific products. If you have further questions about procedures and your dental unit and dental unit waterlines, it is recommended that you consult with the manufacturer’s written instruction manual and/or contact the manufacturer of your product directly. The manufacturer’s validated Instructions for Use (IFU) should be able to provide you with guidance on this matter.

Ask OSAP can provide you with some general information on this topic.

In 2018, OSAP issued a White Paper pertaining to Dental Unit Water Quality1. A copy of this document is attached. It states in part:

Dentists should contact the manufacturer of their dental equipment or water treatment products for specific guidance and instructions on methods to improve and maintain the quality of dental procedure water.

And,

Frequency recommendations for monitoring, inspection, maintenance, and replacement of dental units and water treatment products:

• Review information from the manufacturer of the equipment or device providing dental procedural water for patients and from the manufacturer of the device or germicide for controlling dental procedural water quality for recommendations for frequency for monitoring dental procedural water quality, as well as inspection and maintenance of devices.
• When there are no manufacturer directions available for dental units (e.g., older equipment), OSAP recommends that periodic monitoring and inspection should be performed according to directions for use provided by the treatment product manufacturer or at least monthly on each dental unit or device.
• OSAP recommends that periodic monitoring and inspection should be performed at least monthly on each dental unit or device following the installation of treatment devices or the initiation of new protocols.
• If monitoring results indicate that water quality is acceptable for two consecutive monthly cycles, the frequency of testing may be reduced, but should not be less than every three months.
• When a dental unit exceeds the action limit for an initial or periodic test, the unit should be treated according to manufacturer IFU and re-tested immediately after treatment.

And,

SOPs for monitoring and documenting dental procedural water quality should be based on manufacturer IFUs and standard methods for microbiological analysis of water including:

• Type and frequency of monitoring (e.g. in-office chairside test kits or external laboratory services)
• Instructions for all steps to be performed within the clinic including:
  • Sample collection including labeling to specify the source (unit, handpiece, three-way syringe, etc.) and date/time collected.
  • Germicide neutralization if indicated
  • Storage and shipping including the need for refrigeration if applicable
  • In-office test kit procedure if applicable
• Action limits and recommended interventions when test results exceed recommended levels
• Instructions for documenting monitoring results including
  • Source, date, and time of sample collection
  • Identity of person performing monitoring
  • Date and method of analysis
  • Test results
  • Remediation efforts for failed tests and follow-up test results including removal and return to service of units where indicated
  • Where documentation of monitoring results is to be maintained