What should be autoclaved after use in dental radiography?

In dental radiography, film holders are considered to be items that should be autoclaved after use. This is because film holders can come into contact with oral tissues and saliva, which can introduce bacteria and pathogens. Autoclaving is a sterilization process that uses high-pressure steam to effectively kill microorganisms, ensuring that the film holders are safe to use for the next patient.

In contrast, other options such as X-ray tubes and image receptors may not be directly in contact with tissues that could contaminate them in the same way. Protective aprons, although they should be cleaned and disinfected, do not typically require sterilization via autoclaving, as they are not used invasively and are made of materials that may not withstand the autoclaving process. Therefore, the practice of autoclaving film holders is a critical aspect of maintaining infection control in dental radiography.