The RACGP has updated the reprocessing section of its Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines to align with Australian Standard AS 5369, the national standard for reprocessing reusable medical devices.
The changes are intended to support nationally consistent and evidence-based practice, improve patient safety and reduce infection risks in general practice.
What are the key changes?
The updated guidance introduces a more structured, risk-based approach and includes:
- mandatory use of a washer-disinfector for pre-cleaning reusable medical devices, as manual cleaning is no longer permitted (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer)
- stronger requirements for staff training and competency assessment
- defined timeframes for the initial treatment of used instruments
- enhanced requirements for traceability, validation and equipment monitoring
- updated provisions for outsourcing reprocessing to accredited facilities, hospitals or accredited practices
Transition period
A transition period is in place until 1 January 2028. This will allow practices time to review current arrangements and implement any necessary changes in a planned and manageable way before the requirements become mandatory for accreditation. Practices may need to update their processes, training records, equipment or outsourcing arrangements during the transition period.
What does this mean for general practice?
The impact will vary depending on the procedures performed by the general practice and whether reusable medical devices are reprocessed onsite.
During this transition period, practices are encouraged to:
- familiarise themselves with the updated requirements
- review current reprocessing workflows and systems
- assess training, equipment, and infrastructure needs
- identify opportunities for improvement and develop an implementation plan
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.
