Choosing whether to reprocess or use disposables

Infection prevention and control guidelines

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Infection prevention and control guidelines

Choosing whether to reprocess or use disposables

Single-use disposable alternatives are now available for most categories of medical devices that were traditionally reprocessed (cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised).

The practice’s policy on whether to use disposable or reusable medical devices could be determined based on a thorough analysis of factors including risk of contamination and costs (including labour for reprocessing, as well as unit costs), and optimal use of staff time (Table 10.1. Simple cost-benefit analysis framework for single-use disposable versus reusable medical devices).

Table 10.1. Simple cost-benefit analysis framework for single-use disposable versus reusable medical devices Download the simple cost-benefit analysis framework for single-use disposable versus reusable medical devices document

Item	Number used (per day/week)	Options	Unit cost	Waste	Associated costs	Labour costs	Power and water	Maintenance (steriliser etc)
Ear speculum		Disposable
Ear speculum		Reusable
Ear syringe/pulse/suction and parts		Disposable
Ear syringe/pulse/suction and parts		Reusable
Sterile vaginal speculum		Disposable
Sterile vaginal speculum		Reusable
Dressing pack with forceps		Disposable
Dressing pack with forceps		Reusable
Spacer		Disposable
Spacer		Reusable
Artery forceps		Disposable
Artery forceps		Reusable
Forceps		Disposable
Forceps		Reusable
Scissors		Disposable
Scissors		Reusable
Excision sets		Disposable
Excision sets		Reusable
Scalpel handles		Disposable
Scalpel handles		Reusable

Waste: include waste removal costs

Associated costs: include materials used in packaging for sterilisation, other steriliser-associated costs

Labour costs: Include staff time performing reprocessing tasks, supervisor time training staff, costs of training courses

Source: Marjen Education Services. Adapted with permission.

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