[NoZebra120vClip]

One of the genius medical marketing tactics was to create disposable condoms for thermometers, ear probes, etc., so that you can use one up for each patient and then purchase a whole big box of them on a subscription basis, rather than going through a simple bottle of sanitizer that could clean anything and everything that needs it. (And then of course, nobody cleans the probe underneath, as it just gets slightly grodier with each use.)

[hereme888]

That's not why disposables were adopted. A "simple bottle of sanitizer" is less likely to get rid of biofilm and spores, especially given the laziness and error of end-users.

Disposables are inherently safer. Lots of trash, and more expensive, but the best option for wealthy nations that can afford the best care.

[iancmceachern]

We didn't invent it. We in this industry refer to this as the "razor - razorblade model". Nothing is ever new.