Final answer:
The CDC recommends a purge time of 20-30 seconds between patients to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a clean environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CDC recommends purging the lines for 20-30 seconds between patients to ensure the removal of any potential contaminants and to prevent the spread of infection. This practice is part of standard infection control procedures in dental and medical settings to maintain a clean and safe environment for patients. The data provided indicates that longer exposure times are associated with lower contamination levels, which supports the CDC's recommendation of a 20 to 30 second purge time to adequately clear the lines.