Final answer:
Contaminated intraoral devices must be either sterilized or high-level disinfected, then properly packaged, labeled, and dated for safety in medical settings, following established FDA protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Devices used to polish, trim, or adjust contaminated intraoral devices shall be sterilized or high-level disinfected, properly packaged or wrapped and labeled with the date and the specific sterilizer if more than one in the facility. The terms sterilized and high-level disinfected are crucial since they indicate the required levels of cleanliness for devices that are used intraorally and could become contaminated. Sterilization ensures the destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi, making an item safe for use in critical applications, such as surgery or invasive procedures. High-level disinfection, while not as thorough as sterilization, eliminates many forms of harmful pathogens and is suitable for semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes or nonintact skin.
Sterilization protocols are developed by bodies like the FDA and must be carefully followed in healthcare settings to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. Tools like autoclaves can be used for sterilizing equipment, exemplified by the technician sterilizing a sample in the autoclave. Whether an item is sterilized or disinfected with a high-level disinfectant, it must be handled following established medical protocols to maintain its cleanliness and suitability for use.