Sterilization of the Handengine: Is It a Necessity?

background : The risk of interpatient infection through a dermabrasion handpiece is not known, nor is there a published standard of handpiece maintenance. objective : To investigate the possibility of transferring material through the handpiece and evaluate the methods used by dermatologists to disinfect and/or sterilize dermabrasion equipment. methods : Handengines run while immersed in fluoresceindyed alcohol were observed for fluorescence. After dermabrasion of a fluorescein‐basted pig's foot the instrument was inspected. A survey of handpiece disinfection /sterilization procedures was sent to 114 members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. results : Although material can be transmitted to the motor/handpiece through the chuck and vice versa, contamination of the instrument did not occur in a dermabrasion simulation. 58.7% of respondents sterilize the chuck and only 38.1% sterilize the motor/handpiece. conclusions S: No absolute requirement to sterilize the handengine is warranted. It is prudent however to sterilize the chuck in a steam autoclave and gas sterilize the motor/handpiece to eliminate the rare possibility of cross‐contamination. 1994 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.