What is the recommended approach to handling radiographic receptors between patients to prevent cross-contamination?

• A. Reuse the receptor between patients with no barrier.
• B. Leave the receptor unprotected and disinfect only the bite block.
• C. Use disposable barriers or proper disinfection between patients and ensure barrier between receptor and patient as per infection control guidelines.
• D. Always sterilize the receptor in an autoclave between patients.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is preventing cross-contamination by protecting the radiographic receptor with barriers and cleaning between patients. Receptors can become contaminated with saliva, blood, or other infectious material during imaging. Using disposable barriers that cover the receptor completely creates a barrier between the patient and the receptor, so contaminants stay on the barrier and are discarded after each patient. If a barrier isn’t used, the receptor and any related components must be disinfected between patients according to infection-control guidelines. Reusing a receptor without any barrier is not acceptable because it leaves the device directly exposed to pathogens. Sterilizing the receptor between patients with an autoclave is not appropriate for typical radiographic receptors, which are often heat-sensitive or not designed for repeated sterilization. So, barrier protection with proper disinfection between patients is the correct, guideline-conforming approach.