How long must dental unit lines be purged or flushed prior to use?

The correct duration for purging or flushing dental unit lines prior to use is 2 minutes. This practice is essential to ensure that any potential biofilm or contaminants that may have accrued in the lines are adequately removed. The flushing process helps to maintain the safety and hygiene of the dental unit, ensuring that the water used during procedures is clean and poses no risk of infection to patients.

Flushing for 2 minutes strikes a balance between effectively clearing contaminants and being a practical standard for dental practices. Research indicates that this duration is sufficient to ensure that the water coming out is freshly supplied and minimizes bacterial counts, contributing to overall infection control in the clinical environment. Regular adherence to this 2-minute flushing protocol is part of best practices in dental hygiene and infection prevention protocols.