10. Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in general practice

Agents for reprocessing

Infection prevention and control guidelines
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Last revised: 12 Jun 2026

Agents for reprocessing


The cleaning agents used for reprocessing activities need to:

  • be designed for use on medical devices
  • be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
  • be compatible with the devices being cleaned and the cleaning method the practice is using.
  • be diluted and used according to the product’s instructions
  • work with the available water quality
  • be non-toxic at the recommended dilution
  • be non-abrasive
  • create little to no foam
  • rinse off completely without leaving residue
  • preferably:
    • be in liquid form
    • be biodegradable.

Any cleaning agent that claims to possess antimicrobial properties must be supported by verifiable evidence substantiating such claims.

Avoid:

  • using a cleaning agent if the device’s instructions advise against it. In such cases, it is likely the cleaning process has already been tested and proven effective without a cleaning agent
  • abrasive cleaners such as steel wool, domestic cleaning powders and pastes, as these may damage the surfaces of reusable medical devices or leave a residue
  • strongly alkaline detergents for manual cleaning. Although these are more effective, they are caustic and are only safe for use in washer-disinfectors
  • chlorine-based products such as bleach, as they can corrode and rust reusable medical devices and sterilisers
  • normal household detergents, as they are generally high foaming and often leave a film that is hard to rinse away and could harbour microorganisms. High-foaming detergents increase risk to staff injury because they make items more difficult to see when washing and can generate aerosols.

Enzymatic detergents are rarely used in general practice. These are usually used in automated processes and reserved for lumened instruments with internal surfaces that are difficult to access, such as endoscopes.


Assess any potential impact on the environment from chemicals used in cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilising (including substances that may be released during or after use). Check safety data sheets for information on toxicity, biodegradability, and disposal guidelines.

Implement and document control measures to manage environmental risks and use appropriate disposal methods.

Further consider the environmental impact of products used by:

  • using the correct amount of product to avoid excess waste
  • substituting for environmentally friendly alternatives where possible
  • separating hazardous from non-hazardous chemicals
  • contacting a local waste management service to understand disposal requirements and options available.


Any cleaning products, disinfectants, or chemical sterilisers used for cleaning reusable medical devices:

  • are considered as medical device accessories under Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations
  • need to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.


If cleaning is delayed, pre-treated items can be held in a labelled container for a short, pre-specified time, covered with a TGA-registered instrument precleaning product that is suitable for metals and plastics.

For further detail, see Initial treatment at the point of use.

Items are not to be left soaking in detergent solution for later cleaning, as this can lead to bacterial growth at room temperature and increase the risk of contamination and splashes.


When disinfecting reusable medical devices or other equipment, the practice needs to use a chemical disinfectant labelled as "instrument grade disinfectant."

When choosing a disinfectant only use:

  • a disinfectant entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and validated for use with the intended reusable medical device
  • at least a high-level instrument grade disinfectant for disinfecting semi-critical devices
  • at least an intermediate or low-level instrument grade disinfectant when disinfecting non-critical devices if disinfection is needed.

Do not use other types of disinfectants, such as hospital-grade disinfectants, for cleaning reusable medical devices.


Each cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilising agent needs to have a safety data sheet or similar safety information. The practice can get an up-to-date safety data sheet from the product’s manufacturer or supplier. Review safety data sheets at least once a year. See Work health and safety issues for further information.


The practice can refer to its risk assessment when deciding what brushes to use, how to reprocess and store them, and when to replace them. Table 10.13 describes the selection, use, cleaning, storage, and replacement of brushes.

Table 10.13 Selection, use, cleaning, storage and replacement of brushes

Selecting a brush
  • Consider the medical device to be cleaned (what areas of it need to be cleaned, such as the external and internal surfaces).
  • Refer to the instructions for use, looking specifically at the manufacturer’s cleaning steps and brush recommendations.
  • Identify the equivalent brush to use in the process.
  • Ensure the brush is available.
  • Inspect the brush before use.

If no direction is given in the instructions for use regarding the type of brush or method to use, use the practice risk assessment to determine the best method.

Using a brush
  • Brush use occurs within the practice reprocessing area’s ‘dirty’ zone, not in the ‘clean’ zone (See Managing the area for reprocessing for reusable medical devices).
  • Brush, rinse, dry, and inspect the device.
  • Keep the instrument submerged when brushing.
  • Do not brush outside the water unless directed to do so by the instructions for use.
  • Inspect the brush before use and after use and do not use if damage is identified (See Replacement and disposal below).

Cleaning and reprocessing
  • Clean brushes of various sizes that have firm plastic bristles capable of withstanding cleaning agents, are to be kept in the cleaning area for use during the cleaning stage.
  • Reusable brushes need to be reprocessed after each use to reduce cross-contamination and biofilm formation. They can be manually cleaned and sterilised or mechanically cleaned and heat disinfected in a washer-disinfector daily, or after use. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally not suitable for plastics.
  • If reusable validated cleaning brushes for instrument cleaning are used, reprocess them in accordance with the manufacturers’ information for users.
  • Thin disposable brushes (eg cytology brushes) are useful to clean items with lumens, holes or valves. These cannot be reprocessed and are not to be reused.
  • If an instrument is found to be dirty when inspected for reprocessing, return it to the ‘dirty’ zone to be recleaned.

Storage
  • Store reusable brushes in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area.
  • Ideally, brushes are kept upright or hung to allow proper air drying and to prevent contamination.
  • Avoid storing brushes in enclosed or damp containers, drawers or other environments, as this can encourage microbial growth.
  • Dedicated storage areas should be used to prevent cross-contamination with other instruments and cleaning materials.
  • Brushes should be clearly labelled and separated based on their intended use (eg instrument cleaning, surface cleaning) to ensure proper infection control procedures.
  • Do not store reusable brushes in the same container as other items of equipment.

Replacement and disposal
  • Inspect the brush before each use. Brushes are considered consumable items that are subject to wear and tear.
  • If damage is identified, the brush cannot be reused. Common damage to brushes includes:
    • missing, loose, damaged, or fallen bristles
    • cracks or damage to the brush handle or head
    • other issues specified in the instructions for use.
  • If it cannot be properly cleaned, the brush cannot be reused (for instance, if debris remains despite thorough cleaning and disinfection)
  • Replace a brush in line with the manufacturers’ lifespan recommendations.


The accumulation of residual lint on instrument surfaces needs to be avoided, as it can cause foreign body reactions in patients.

Where manual drying is required, use:

Do not use disposable kitchen wipes, paper hand towels or tea towels as they leave significant lint residue. This includes placing lint-free cloths or instruments on wipes or towels that present a risk of fibre contamination.

The practice’s risk assessment should guide the choice of cloths and the designated drying area.

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