The below will go into detail about scanner tip care, including sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning. It also provides information on the overall scanner tip lifecycle and improper tip care. The scanner tip is the removable part of the scanner that is inserted into the patient's mouth during scanning.
Sterilizing Scanner Tips
- Remove the scanner tip from the scanner wand.
- Clean the scanner tip manually with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove debris. Autoclaving will not remove smudges or marks on the mirror.
- Rinse with water and dry carefully with a paper towel or soft tissue.
- Place the tip in a sealed autoclave bag on its own.
- Place the scanner tip on the top rack of the autoclave, ensuring it is kept away from any metal objects.
Autoclave & Statim Settings for Scanner Tips
Autoclave:
- Option #1: 134 °C (273 °F) for 3 minutes with a 10-minute dry cycle
- Option #2: 121 °C (250 °F) for 15 minutes with a 10-minute dry cycle
Statim 2000 G4:
- Option #1: 135 °C (275 °F) for 10 minutes
- Option #2: 132 °C (270 °F) for 6 minutes
Dandy does not recommend Dry Heat Ultraviolet Sterilizers for scanner tip sterilization.
The autoclaving process will not remove any smudges or marks on the internal mirror of a scanner tip. Cleaning the mirror prevents issues with scanning and calibration.
Either option below can be followed.
Cleaning the Mirror with Diluted Antibacterial Dish Soap
- Apply diluted antibacterial dish soap and a nylon bristle toothbrush.
- Autoclave per the above instructions.
- Use only microfiber cloths to prevent scratching the mirror surface.
Refrain from using cotton applicators with alcohol, as the alcohol may dissolve the adhesive holding the cotton tip, leading to additional debris on the mirror. Use only Q-tip branded cotton swabs.
Cleaning the Mirror with Wavicide-01
- Clean the tip manually using soap, water, and a brush immediately after use. Dry the mirror carefully with a paper towel.
- Immerse the tip completely in Wavicide-01 for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Remove the tip from the Wavicide-01 solution and rinse it with water.
- Use only microfiber cloths to prevent scratching the mirror surface.
Again, refrain from using standard office cotton applicators with alcohol, as the alcohol may dissolve the adhesive holding the cotton tip, leading to additional debris on the mirror. Use only Q-tip branded cotton swabs.
Unapproved sterilization methods will cause premature failure of the mirror tip. These cleaners cause the plastic of the mirror tip housing to become brittle. When the mirror tip is subsequently autoclaved, the temperature shift will cause the now brittle plastic to crack. In the photo below, you can see the damage that results from using Cavicide.
Protective Tips
The Protective tip should NOT be autoclaved. This will damage the protective tip. The protective tip should only be used to protect the lens in the neck of the scanner when not actively scanning a patient using a mirror tip.
Scanner Lens
The scanner lens is located in the neck of the scanner wand and can be accessed when either the mirror tip or protective tip is removed. The scanner lens should only be cleaned if there are visible smudges or debris present. Any smudges or marks on the scanner lens will create issues with calibration and scanning.
- A microfiber eyeglass cloth can be used if there are visible smudges or debris on the lens. The lens should not be regularly cleaned if there are no visible obstructions. Minimal pressure should be applied when cleaning the lens.
- If you need to sterilize the lens (this again should only be done if there is a visible obstruction to the lens), you can use 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol and a Q tip brand Q tip. with minimal pressure.
- The scanner tip provides ample protection to the lens meaning sterilization does not need to be done in-between patients.
Scanner Wand
Approved methods for cleaning the scanner wand:
- Alcohol (70% ethyl alcohol)
- Optim Wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide
Scanner Base
Approved methods for cleaning the scanner base:
- Alcohol (70% ethyl alcohol)
- Optim Wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide
Calibration Target
- You should never, under any circumstances, touch the optical components of the color calibration target. Clean only with filtered air at low pressure. If you have sterilized or cleaned your calibration target, it may need to be replaced.