Handpiece Sterilisation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateMicrobiologyHandpiece SterilisationMFDS Part 1

A reusable high-speed dental handpiece has been used during restorative treatment. The manufacturer's instructions specify that it is compatible with steam sterilisation. After cleaning and lubrication in accordance with those instructions, which method should be used to complete reprocessing before use on another patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Steam sterilisation in a validated compatible sterilizer

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C

A is correct. A reusable, steam-compatible dental handpiece should be cleaned and lubricated as specified by its manufacturer, then sterilised using a validated compatible steam sterilizer. UK dental decontamination guidance identifies saturated steam under pressure as the preferred method for sterilising most reusable clinical instruments, with the sterilizer cycle and load selected according to manufacturer compatibility. A fixed cycle such as 134–137°C for three minutes should not be asserted for every handpiece, because compatibility and validated cycles vary. Glutaraldehyde, alcohol wipes and ultraviolet exposure do not provide validated sterilisation of the handpiece, including its internal components. Dry heat is not the standard UK method for routine processing of steam-compatible dental handpieces and may not be compatible with the device.

Reference: NHS England, Health Technical Memorandum 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices, section 4 (Sterilization), 2013; webpage updated 26 January 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/decontamination-in-primary-care-dental-practices-htm-01-05/