What should be done with sensors that cannot be sterilized between patients?

For sensors that cannot be sterilized between patients, using disposable plastic sleeves is the proper procedure. This method effectively acts as a barrier against contamination, ensuring that the sensors do not come into direct contact with bodily fluids or pathogens during procedures. By placing the sensor within a single-use sleeve, practitioners can safely use the device on multiple patients without compromising infection control standards.

The use of disposable plastic sleeves is particularly beneficial as it allows for efficient and quick turnover during dental procedures while maintaining a high standard of hygiene. After each use, the plastic sleeve can be discarded, thereby eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between patients.

While other methods such as surface disinfection or immersion might seem viable, they do not offer the same level of protective assurance for sensors that can't withstand high-level sterilization processes. Wiping with a surface disinfectant may not fully eliminate all pathogens on irregular surfaces, and soaking in an immersion disinfectant poses risks of damaging sensitive electronic components of the sensors. Therefore, using disposable plastic sleeves is the most effective and safe practice in this scenario.