What is The Sterilox Dental System?
The Sterilox Dental Systems generates a safe, effective, broad-spectrum biocide solutions on-site, on demand and application specific. The active ingredient in Sterilox Solution is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a protective substance found naturally in the human immune system. The system generates this natural biocide (Sterilox) right in the dental office using a compact tabletop device. Prepackaged Sterilox Electrolyte Solution is processed through the Sterilox System, producing the highly effective HOCl solution. A wide range disinfecting applications can be carried out using this custom produced disinfectant.
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What is a Biofilm?
A biofilm is a colony of microorganisms attached to a solid surface. A biofilm colony can contain bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and other microorganisms. Biofilms are routinely found inside dental unit water lines (DUWLs) and are difficult to remove due to the build up of a polysaccharide protective layer. Biofilms have been shown to form in as little as 20 minutes.
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What are the uses of the Sterilox Dental System?
Currently, the Sterilox Dental System has the following indications for use:
- Dental unit water lines decontamination (bottle systems)
- Hard surface disinfection (5 minute contact)
- Endodontic root canal cleanser
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Can Sterilox Dental be used for as a cold sterilization solution?
No, the Sterilox Solution is not a cold sterilization solution and is not labeled to be used as such.
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Why doesn't Sterilox Dental have an EPA code?
The Sterilox System has been determined to be a Pesticide Device by the EPA and as such, is exempt from FIFRA registration. That means that the biocide and the precursors (Sterilox Electrolyte Solution) that are used to make up the biocide it produces, are also exempt from FIFRA registration. Because of this, there is no EPA Registration Number and it isn't required.
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How does the Sterilox Dental Solution kill bacteria?
The Sterilox Dental System utilizes the natural disinfecting power of hypochlorous acid. The Sterilox Solution attacks, breaks up, and dissolves the polysaccharide layer of the biofilm allowing the solution to then penetrate the cell walls of the microorganisms. This dual action effectively obliterates the biofilm. In parallel, our human immune system uses a naturally produced version of hypochlorous acid in its defense against disease and bacteria inside the body. Simply put, the Sterilox technology is effectively an in-vitro replica of this natural immune response.
Sterilox is completely safe.This science is also used in hospitals and in food sanitation.
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Does Sterilox sterilize, disinfect or both?
The Sterilox Solution is a hard surface disinfectant at the precise concentration produced by the Sterilox Dental System. It is, however, considered an intermediate disinfectant and has proven to have higher kill times than many high level disinfectants.
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What does Sterilox Dental Solution taste like?
After the Sterilox Solution has been diluted and placed in a dental unit water bottle, the taste is almost indistinguishable from that of regular water.
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What is the recommended procedure for disinfecting DUWLs?
The Sterilox Solution is produced on-site, on-demand using a small table top system. An initial soak procedure of 4 hours effectively facilitates the rinse, flush, and removal of biofilm present inside the DUWLs. Daily maintenance of a 5% dilution (or 4-5% PPM) will keep the lines free and clear of biofilm and reoccurring contamination. Unlike other competitive products, there is no need to perform another line soak and flush.
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What is the recommended procedure for disinfecting other hard surfaces with Sterilox?
The Sterilox Solution can be sprayed on hard surfaces for the purpose of disinfection. Following physical removal of the bio-burden itself, the hard surface can be sprayed with full concentration Sterilox Solution. The surface is then wiped dry following a 5-minute wait time. This disinfectant solution intended to be used for hard surface contamination remains fresh for up to 48 hours. Keep unused Sterilox Solution refrigerated and follow proper storage and labeling procedures.
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What are the testing results for using Sterilox Solution for hard-surface disinfection?
Studies were performed to the EPA test requirements using the AOAC germicidal spray test to evaluate the effectiveness of Sterilox Solution as a hard surface disinfectant. Results show that Sterilox meets the EPA requirements as a hospital grade hard-surface disinfectant within a 5-minute contact time at room temperature.
| Test organism
|
Contact Time To Achieve a Pass |
| Staphylococcus aureus
|
5 minutes |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa
|
2 minutes |
| Salmonella cholerasuis
|
2 minutes |
| Enterococcus faecalis
|
5 minutes |
| HIV virus
|
5 minutes |
| Human Influenza
|
2 minutes |
| Trichophyton mentagrophytes
|
5 minutes |
| Norovirus
|
2 minutes |
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Why do I need the Sterilox Dental System? Can't I just pour the Sterilox Electrolyte Solution into a water bottle?
The Sterilox Dental System is powered by a proprietary process that converts the Sterilox Electrolyte Solution into a safe and effective biocidal solution. The Sterilox Electrolyte Solution itself does not disinfect.
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Is Sterilox Solution safe?
Yes, it is safe for humans. There are extensive studies demonstrating that the Sterilox Solution is safe and non-cytotoxic. This science is readily used in hospitals and in food sanitation. Other products might kill the micro-organisms, but can be harmful in other ways and don't remove the biofilm.
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Can the Sterilox Solution be used in an ultrasonic cleaning device?
Yes, however the Sterilox Solution has no rust inhibitors. If for some reason instruments cannot be autoclaved, the Sterilox Solution can be used in an ultrasonic cleaning device for 15 minutes (hand instruments only). Rinse the hand instruments well after using. The ultrasonic tank surfaces and outlet tube should be rinsed at the end of the day.
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How do I store and label unused Sterilox Solution?
You can store the Sterilox Solution intended for use in DUWLs for up to 96 hours under refrigeration. The Sterilox Solution intended for use as a hard surface disinfectant can be stored for up to 48 hours under refrigeration. Use a suitable, nonmetal, sealable container affixed with the labels provided. Follow directions for use and storage in the Sterilox Dental System Operator's Guide.
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Is the Sterilox Dental System affordable to use?
Yes. Although dental offices hours and patient volumes will vary, many offices find they can use Sterilox for less than 25 cents per chair per day.
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How can I get started?
The Sterilox Dental System is now available direct from Sterilox Dental in the U.S.:
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How big is the Sterilox System?
The Sterilox System is a small tabletop device. It weighs approximately 20 pounds and takes up very little space on your counter top (approximately the size of a coffee maker). Cases of the Sterilox Electrolyte Solution (four 1-gallon bottles) are packaged separately, easily stored, and weigh approximately 36 pounds.
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How do I know if my Sterilox System is working properly?
The Sterilox Solution should have a slight chlorine-like smell. Further, the system comes complete with Free Chlorine Check strips. These strips are used to ensure your disinfectant solution is being produced at effective levels. Follow directions for use.
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