Before the patient arrives, how must the x-ray machine be prepared?

Preparing the x-ray machine properly before a patient arrives is crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. Covering the control panel with a sticky barrier is the recommended approach because it helps prevent contamination from potential pathogens. The control panel is frequently touched by both dental staff and patients; therefore, using a barrier minimizes the risk of infection transmission.

The cover acts as a protective layer, ensuring that any microorganisms that may be present on the hands of patients or practitioners do not come into direct contact with the machine. After the procedure, these barriers can be easily replaced, further maintaining a high standard of infection control in the dental practice.

Other preparation techniques, like leaving the machine uncovered or merely wiping down the tube head, do not provide the same level of protection. Simply wiping down surfaces may not effectively eliminate all pathogens, and neglecting to cover the control panel risks cross-contamination. Calibrating the machine, while important for ensuring accurate x-ray imaging, does not address infection control needs directly. Thus, covering the control panel with a sticky barrier is the most effective method to ensure that the x-ray machine is prepared correctly for patient use.