Which of the following is recommended for managing contamination of digital radiographic sensors that cannot be heat sterilized?

The recommended approach for managing contamination of digital radiographic sensors that cannot be heat sterilized is to utilize impervious barriers followed by cleaning and disinfection. This method ensures that the sensors are protected from contamination during procedures, allowing for a surface that can be easily cleaned and disinfected afterward.

Using impervious barriers creates a physical shield that prevents saliva and other contaminants from coming into direct contact with the sensor. Once the procedure is complete, removing the barrier allows for cleaning and disinfection of the sensor's surface according to infection control protocols. This is crucial because digital sensors often have electronic components that cannot withstand the high temperatures of heat sterilization.

While heat sterilization is effective for many dental instruments, it is not applicable for these sensors due to their design and materials. Soaking in a chemical solution is also not advisable for such devices, as it can lead to damage or ineffective disinfection if the solution does not adequately penetrate the sensor. Lastly, relying solely on disposable covers could leave the sensor at risk of contamination if not paired with proper cleaning measures afterward, since they might not completely prevent fluids from seeping through to the device itself. Therefore, the combination of using barriers with thorough cleaning and disinfection represents the most effective and safe method for managing these