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Holding (presoak) solution
Also called: presoak, holding bath
A soak that keeps debris from drying on instruments until they can be cleaned.
If dirty instruments cannot be cleaned right away, CDC says to put them in a puncture-resistant container with a detergent, a disinfectant-detergent or an enzymatic cleaner. This keeps blood and debris from drying and makes cleaning easier. A sterilant such as glutaraldehyde should not be used as a holding solution.
How to spot it
- A covered plastic container with a basket insert, labeled with its contents.
What it is used for
- Place instruments in the basket, not loose in the container, so you can lift them out without reaching in.
Safety and care
- Never reach into a container of sharp instruments you cannot see; lift the basket out.
- Change the solution as the label directs.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)