Bacteriological studies on endodontic paper points

Four brands of endodontic paper points were subjected to tests for sterility, antibacterial activity, and suitability as vehicles for bacteriological sampling procedures. No brand showed growth in the sterility assay. One brand showed weak but reproducible antibacterial activity. Recovery of viable bacteria after absorption into the points varied and appeared to depend both on the brand of point and on the bacterial strain used. One brand appeared ineffectual for clinical bacteriological sampling procedures.