Decontaminating Specific Items

Policy

Cleaning methods, processes, and frequency for each item follow best practice for infection prevention and control (IPC).

Practice staff reprocess items according to:

AS 5369:2023 Reprocessing of reusable medical and other devices in health and non-health related facilities.

All reusable equipment is reprocessed according to how the item is used and the level of risk. Non-critical equipment that only comes into contact with intact skin is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after each use, or at other specified time frames.

Dilutions and soaking times are according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

During an epidemic or pandemic, special cleaning processes may be put into place if advised by health authorities.

Cleaning non-critical items

Autoclave

Cryotherapy equipment

Diathermy

Dressing trolley

Glucometer

Instrument containers

Kidney dishes and bowls (plastic)

Laryngoscope blade

Medicine measures (non-disposable)

This page was reviewed with input from Ruth Barratt, Infection Prevention & Control and Quality Advisor (PhD, MAdvPrac (Hons), RN, CICP-E).

Related policies

Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sterilising RMDs

Page Information

Last reviewed Last review: The date this page last had a comprehensive review by the GPDocs team. See the review schedule.
Next review Next review: The date this page will next be reviewed by all GPDocs practices. See the review schedule.
Topic type Topic Types There are two topic types: Core content Text outside the yellow highlighting (as shown on the model site) is there for compliance, legislation, or best practice. The text is not normally changed. Core content is continually reviewed and kept up to date. Customised Core content on this page has been changed on request by the practice. Customised topics must be reviewed and updated by the practice because they are not automatically updated by GPDocs.	Core content
Approved By:	Key Contact
Topic ID:	4665

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Risk	Decontamination process	Storage
Critical: High risk of infection. Comes into contact with sterile or vascular tissue. Examples: Surgical instruments, scalpels	Clean as soon as possible after use Sterilise by moist heat (if possible) If moist heat sterilisation is not compatible with the RMD, use low temp sterilisation (minimum)	Storage in sterile packaging in a designated area, to prevent environmental contamination
Semi-critical: Comes into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. Examples: Tweezers, scissors	Clean as soon as possible after use Sterilisation by moist heat (if possible) If moist heat sterilisation is not compatible with the RMD, use low temp sterilisation, or high level disinfection (minimum)	Store in a designated storage system such as a drying cabinet, to prevent environmental contamination
Non-critical: Only comes into contact with non-broken skin Examples: BP cuff, stethoscope	Thorough cleaning and low-level disinfection using a compatible, low-level instrument-grade disinfectant or thermal disinfection	Store in a clean dry place where environmental contamination is minimised