Infection prevention and control guidelines

10. Reprocessing reusable medical devices

Choosing whether to reprocess or use disposables

      1. Choosing whether to reprocess or use disposables

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

           
 

Reusable

           

Ear syringe/pulse/suction and parts

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Sterile vaginal speculum

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Dressing pack with forceps

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Spacer

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Artery forceps

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Forceps

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Scissors

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Excision sets

 

Disposable

           
 

Reusable

           

Scalpel handles

 

Disposable

           
 

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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