matrix bands

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Hello,
At my practice we send the matrix holder and band through the sterilising process as it is when used. Then the band is carefully taken off, using a Spencer wells forceps, and the new band and holder is sent through (separately)yet another time. First after that, the new band is put on.

I am wondering for what reason the band should go in amalgam waste? It is not made out of amalgam but it is sharp so, sharps bin would be the place for it.

Hi.
The practice manager at my previous practice spoke to the PCT regard this as it was confusing everyone. The advice we were given was to keep the matrix strip on the holder until AFTER sterilisation. So, I've been doing that for the past year or so...although it doesn't make much sense to me as the way I see it, you're not cleaning it correctly if the strips still in the way?
I currently dispose of mine in the sharps bin. We've been confused with it at times, being told one minute they should be disposed of in the amalgam waste pots, then being told sharps....confusing!!
It changes so often it's ridiculous.

We have an amalgam waste pot which also states that it is for used amalgam bands. We don't place them in the sharps bin anymore. The holder is sterilised along with a new band which is assembled afterwards. The second sterilisation after asembling is something I will look into. Many thanks.

As mentioned above, it all depends on what type you use, how to treat them.
In all cases , the actual band, should be discarded ( if not the whole matrix band and holder).
In one case, if metal, the actual holder can be reused if sterilised. Then the new band must be sterilised as well.
( the holder is sterilised after the band is taken off, after that sterilising a new band is put on and a second sterilising cycle is done).
Simples!

I never reuse matrix bands as they are impossible to clean or sterilise properly.

Hello,

It really depends on what type of matrix you are using.
Some are plastic with metal band, some are only plastic and some are only metal.
The plastic one with metal band, must be thrown away as it is for single use but the metal band goes in the sharps bin.
The fully plastic goes in the normal surgery bin as it also is for single use.
The fully metal one can be sterilised and reused BUT the metal-band must go in the sharps bin and it is sharp and for single use. The new metal band, put on the holder, also must be sterilised before use.

Hi there, I would consider it as a used sharp once it's been used so I usually just take it off and then dispose straight away, there would be no need to rinse if your going to dispose of it. If you can (and have time!) take the band out with tweezers to avoid a sharps injury while it's dirty I do this in theatre im happier doing as much as I can to avoid a sharps injury. Hope this helps.

Can anyone tell me the correct way to dispose of matrix bands, some nurses dispose afteruse and others rinse and sterilize then dispose?