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

Keeping reprocessing equipment working effectively

Infection prevention and control guidelines
Download PDF
      12. Keeping reprocessing equipment working effectively
  1. Figures
  2. Glossary
  3. Links
  4. Relevant standards
  5. Acknowledgements
  6. Disclaimer
  7. Search

Last revised: 12 Jun 2026

Keeping reprocessing equipment working effectively

To make sure cleaning, disinfecting, packaging and sterilising processes are always working properly, the practice needs to regularly check and maintain the equipment used (including but not limited to the steriliser, ultrasonic cleaner, and washer-disinfector). This includes:

  • organising regular servicing and performance checks (including functional testing and calibration), at least annually
  • using qualified technicians for maintenance, calibration, and annual requalification of all equipment
  • keeping records of all servicing, checks and maintenance activities
  • following the recommended timeframes for maintenance and calibration listed in tables.

For more details on validation and routine cleaning and monitoring of equipment, refer to the following tables:


Any tools or instruments used to measure or control cleaning, disinfection, packaging or sterilising processes – for example timers, pressure gauges or temperature sensors – need to be checked and calibrated regularly to make sure they are accurate.


All equipment needs to have regular, planned maintenance, carried out by a trained technician following the manufacturer’s instructions.

This includes an annual electrical safety check and cleaning/replacement of air filters as needed.

  • Maintenance records need to be kept and easy to access.
  • Common equipment that needs regular maintenance includes:
  • Washer-disinfectors and sterilisers
  • Seals and gaskets
  • Gauges, sensors and alarms
  • Filters and pressure valves
  • Vacuum pumps and boilers
  • Circulation systems and steriliser chambers

If equipment is used infrequently (for example, only once a week), the time between maintenance should still not exceed one year.

After any repairs, the equipment needs to be tested to ensure it continues to perform to its original validated standard. Repairs that require specialised tools are only to be carried out by qualified technicians.

When equipment can be used again

Equipment cannot be used for reprocessing until all required maintenance has been completed and properly recorded.

If maintenance is delayed (for example, because a technician is unavailable), the practice needs to have a clear policy outlining how long it is willing to accept that delay. AS 5369 – Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities recommends allowing up to 10 working days after the scheduled date.

Identifying and managing equipment faults

All reprocessing equipment needs to be checked regularly for faults. If a fault is found, action needs to be taken quickly to fix it. If the fault could affect the safety or performance of the equipment or endanger staff, the equipment cannot be used again until it has been repaired and confirmed as safe.

Practices should have a process to document equipment faults, actions taken, and decisions about removing equipment from use.

Keeping maintenance records

The practice needs to keep a detailed record for every piece of reprocessing equipment. These records should include:

  • Why the maintenance or repair was done
  • The date it was done
  • The equipment’s model and serial number
  • Where the equipment is located
  • What maintenance or repair was done
  • What parts were replaced
  • Who did the work (name/company)
  • Who checked and approved the equipment for use again.

Records need to be retained for the period specified by the relevant State or Territory Health Department.

Advertising