Updates to the RACGP Infection prevention and control guidelines: Reprocessing reusable medical devices

Print SHARE The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has updated the reprocessing section of the Infection prevention and control guidelines for general practices and other office-based and community-based practices (IPC Guidelines) to align with Australian Standard AS 5369 – Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities. These updates are necessary so that general practice aligns with nationally consistent, evidence‑based reprocessing standards, addressing changes in national expectations and reducing infection risk while supporting safe, high‑quality care. The updated reprocessing section has been published within the current IPC Guidelines this week. While AS 5369 reflects the national benchmark across healthcare, the RACGP has carefully contextualised the requirements for general practice so they remain practical, proportionate and achievable. These changes will have varying impacts across practices, depending on the type of procedures they perform and whether they currently reprocess reusable medical devices onsite. What has been updated and why? The reprocessing section of the IPC Guidelines has been updated to strengthen patient safety, create national consistency, and provide accreditation clarity. Key updates include: