Cleaning Specific Items
This policy is currently being reviewed to ensure compliance with AS 5369:2023 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities.
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Policy
Cleaning methods, processes, and frequency for each item follow best practice for infection prevention and control (IPC).
Practice staff reprocess items according to:
- AS/NZS 4815:2006 Office-based Health Care Facilities
All reusable equipment is reprocessed according to 
how the item is used and the level of risk. Non-critical equipment that only comes into contact with intact skin is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after each use, or at other specified time frames.
Risk
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Cleaning Method
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Critical: High risk of infection. Comes into contact with sterile or vascular tissue.
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- Sterilisation
- Storage in sterile packaging
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Semi-critical: Comes into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin.
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- Sterilisation (if possible)
- High level of disinfection (minimum)
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Non-critical: Only comes into contact with non-broken skin.
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- Thorough cleaning and low-level disinfection
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Source: Spaulding Classification System
Dilutions and soaking times are according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
During an epidemic or pandemic, special cleaning processes may be put into place if advised by health authorities.
Cleaning non-critical items
Autoclave
Weekly (follow all manufacturer instructions):
- Wipe interior and exterior with lint-free cloth or scrub sponge, and warm water.
- Wipe under seals.
- Make sure metal trays are clean and free of rust.
Cryotherapy equipment
After each use:
- Liquid nitrogen spray: If the nozzle head comes into contact with wart tissue, clean and autoclave according to sterilisation procedure.
- Cryoprobe: Clean and autoclave as per sterilisation procedure.
Diathermy
- Before using the pencil, apply the cautery sleeve to prevent contamination.
- If contaminated, clean with alcohol wipe.
Dressing trolley
- After each use: Clean with detergent and water or alcohol wipe.
- Regularly: Clean wheels.
Glucometer
- After each use: Clean meter surface with alcohol wipe.
- Don't get moisture in slots.
Instrument containers
Weekly:
- Wash and dry plastic carefully with paper towels.
- Wash stainless steel with instrument detergent wash.
Kidney dishes and bowls (plastic)
- After each use: Clean with detergent and water.
Laryngoscope blade
- After each use: Remove lightbulb before cleaning. Clean and autoclave according to sterilisation procedure.
Medicine measures (non-disposable)
After each use: Wash with detergent and water, or clean in dishwasher.
Nail clippers
After each use: Clean and autoclave according to sterilisation procedure.
Nebuliser
- Do not wash tubing.
- Dispose of masks, bowls, and mouthpieces.
Protective glasses
Daily: Clean with non-abrasive detergent and water.
Sims speculum
- After each use: Clean and autoclave metal speculum according to sterilisation procedure.
- Do not reprocess single-use specula.
Sphygmomanometer
- Daily: Clean with an alcohol wipe.
- Regularly: Clean cuffs with instrument detergent and water.
Stethoscope
After each use: Wipe with alcohol wipe.
Tourniquet
Weekly (or when visibly soiled): Clean with detergent and soak in disinfectant.
Probes
After each use:
- Replace the probe tip and cap (follow manufacturer instructions).
- Disassemble probe cap from probe tip.
- Soak both parts in enzymatic detergent for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use dental floss to clean the holes.
- Allow the parts to dry before reassembling the probe tip.
Vacutainer hubs
- Daily: Clean with detergent and water.
- Discard if contaminated with blood.
Welch Allen light
Weekly: Clean with alcohol wipe on optic.
This page was reviewed with input from Ruth Barratt, Infection Prevention & Control and Quality Advisor (PhD, MAdvPrac (Hons), RN, CICP-E).