Ease of Cleaning - XDR Radiology

Objective

Infection control is in the news. And, while FDA-approved barriers provide important protection, the CDC and ADA each call for cleaning between patients:

To minimize the potential for device-associated infections, after removing the barrier, the device should be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered disinfectant (intermediate-level) after each patient. *

So:

Does the sensor design avoid crevices which take more effort and time to clean?
Is the sensor immersible in cold sterilants?

Design

Ease Of Cleaning. Time spent cleaning a sensor is time away from patients. So a sensor which is easier to clean may improve patient care and practice production. Therefore, XDR paid special attention to the cord-attachment button, where most sensors have creases or crevices. In response, XDR designed the Anatomic Sensor to have a smooth transition from button to sensor plate.

FIgure 1 - Cord-attachment button, showing no creases — Figure 1 – Cord-attachment button, showing a smooth contour and transition


Figure 2 – Competitive cord-attachment buttons, showing transitions

Waterproof. If a barrier should break, it would be good to know you can immerse your sensor in a cold sterilant. Therefore, XDR designed the Anatomic Sensor to be hermetically sealed and therefore waterproof.

Figure 3 - Anatomic Sensor is hermetically sealed and waterproof — Figure 3 – Anatomic Sensor is hermetically sealed and waterproof

Results

Ergonomic Features

Objective	Feature
Canine-Premolar Contact	Maximal Mesial Imaging Area
Intraoral Visibility	White Face
Comfort	Rounded Corners
Comfort	Beveled Corners
Ease of Placement	Thin
Ease of Placement	Small Button
Ease of Cleaning	No Creases or Crevices
Waterproof	Hermetically Sealed; Immersible
Strong Cord	Kevlar Cable
Shock Resistance	Protection Plate
Handling Ease	Two-Meter Cord

Conclusion

Many sensors address some of the ergonomic issues. Only the XDR Anatomic Sensor addresses all of these issues.

* References:

Kohn, W. G., Collins, A. S., Cleveland, J. L., Harte, J. A., Eklund, K. J., & Malvitz, D. M. (2003). Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings–2003. MMWR Recomm Rep, 52(17), 1-61.
American Dental Association (ADA). 2016. Oral Health Topics Infection Control [Internet]. ADA.org; [cited 2016 October 6]. Available from http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/infection-control-resources