Infection prevention and control guidelines
10. Reprocessing reusable medical devices
Last revised: 17 Jun 2024
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
Reusable
Ear syringe/pulse/suction and parts
Sterile vaginal speculum
Dressing pack with forceps
Spacer
Artery forceps
Forceps
Scissors
Excision sets
Scalpel handles
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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