Dental Unit Waterline Testing

Common dental procedures often form aerosols, which can be inhaled by patients. Though this colonization and exposure may not harm healthy individuals, older and immunocompromised patients are at risk of serious respiratory tract infections, among other conditions, especially if the water contains specific types of pathogens. Microorganisms may also be introduced to the waterline from ‘suck-back’ or ‘back-flow’ during suction use, often caused by inadequate valve functioning or by patient conduct. This evidence indicates that contamination may not only be environmentally derived, but also from the oral cavity, potentially leading to further concern.

As the research on dental waterlines continues to reveal evidence of microbial biofilms, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) supports a focus on ensuring that dental offices are monitoring and testing their equipment.

SMS is pleased to offer waterline testing to our customers! See our Waterline Testing Instructions for more information. 

Pricing

Waterline Testing Instructions

Kit Contents and Handling

• The waterline test kit includes instructions, return package with return label attached, sample collection tubes and ice pack(s).
• Freeze the ice packs immediately. The ice packs must be frozen when you are ready to ship your samples to SMS for processing.
• Do NOT open the collection tubes until you are ready to collect the water samples.

Waterline Sample Collection

• Collect samples only on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Call 614-292-6737 to notify SMS when your samples will be collected and shipped.
• Wear gloves (nitrile or latex) when collecting water samples.

• Collect water samples BEFORE treating patients.
• Flush the waterline for 2 minutes before collecting a sample. Use a timer.
• Write the waterline name or number on the labeled collection tube.
• Remove the screw-top cap from the collection tube and fill with water sample.
• If testing multiple lines, change gloves and repeat for each waterline.
• Place frozen ice packs and sample tubes inside the return package.
• Verify address on the return label is correct.
• Seal and ship immediately to address below.