Which of the following represents a potential indirect cross-infection incident?

The indication of a potential indirect cross-infection incident relates to the use of equipment that can carry pathogens from one patient to another if not properly managed. In this context, using disinfected extraction forceps can present such a risk. If the forceps have come into contact with a patient's blood or other fluids during a procedure and are then disinfected but not adequately sterilized, there is a potential for pathogens to remain.

On the other hand, while the handle of disinfected equipment may seem safe, it's important to understand that proper sterilization is essential to eliminate any risk of disease transmission. The effectiveness of disinfection varies, and if the forceps weren't sterilized following thorough disinfection, they could still harbor infectious agents capable of being transmitted to another patient.

The other choices refer to practices that inherently reduce the risk of cross-infection. For example, a clean inoculation injury involves direct exposure but is not an indirect cross-infection method as it pertains more to infection control in handling. A disposable aspirator tip and a new endodontic hand file are both single-use items designed to prevent any transfer of pathogens from one patient to another, making them safe options.