The transfer of bacteria to, and survival on, dental records.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether viable bacteria could be transferred from gloves to laboratory cards in dental records and, if so, to determine whether bacteria could survive on the paper. The thumbs and forefingers of two types of glove (Biogel D and Microtouch) were inoculated with Streptococcus sanguis and left for various periods of time. A sterile dental laboratory card was then held with the gloves and the number of bacteria surviving on the card determined after various periods of incubation of the card at room temperature. Bacteria were transferred to the laboratory cards and remained viable for up to 72 h. More viable bacteria were transferred from the Microtouch gloves than from the Biogel D gloves, and this was attributable, in part, to the latter gloves exerting a bactericidal effect. The results demonstrated that bacteria can be transferred from gloves to laboratory cards and that these organisms can remain viable for long periods of time. Dental records may, therefore, represent a possible route of cross-infection.