RACGP updates infection control guidance for reusable medical devices
01 Sep 2026
The updated guidance aims to support consistent practices across Australia, improve patient safety and reduce the risk of infection.
What has changed?
The new guidance takes a more structured, risk-based approach to the reprocessing of reusable medical devices. Key changes include:
- A washer-disinfector must be used for pre-cleaning reusable medical devices. Manual cleaning is no longer permitted unless the device manufacturer states otherwise.
- Practices must have stronger staff training and competency assessment processes.
- There are now set timeframes for the initial treatment of used instruments.
- Requirements for tracking instruments, validating processes and monitoring equipment have been strengthened.
- The guidance provides updated requirements for practices that outsource reprocessing to accredited facilities, hospitals or accredited practices.
Transition period
Practices have until 1 January 2028 to transition to the updated requirements.
The transition period is designed to give practices time to review their current systems and make any required changes.
Depending on their services, practices may need to update their procedures, staff training records, equipment or arrangements for outsourcing reprocessing.
What does this mean for general practice?
The impact will depend on the procedures performed at each practice and whether reusable medical devices are reprocessed onsite.
During the transition period, practices are encouraged to:
- become familiar with the updated requirements
- review current reprocessing processes
- assess training, equipment and infrastructure needs
- identify areas for improvement and develop an implementation plan.
The updated guidance will become mandatory for accreditation from 1 January 2028.
RACGP updates infection control guidance for reusable medical devices
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (Practice Pulse), RACGP Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, 1 September 2026.