AS 5369:2023 PDF

AS 5369:2023 specifies the requirements and practices necessary for the effective and safe reprocessing, storage, handling and transportation of reusable medical devices and other devices used in human health care and other treatments.

This Standard was prepared by the Australian members of the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee HE-023, Processing of Medical and Surgical Instruments, to supersede AS/NZS 4187:2014 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organizations, and AS/NZS 4815:2006 Office-based health care facilities—Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment.

The objective of this document is to provide uniform minimum requirements for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices (RMDs) and other devices so that they are safe for use and pose no risk of transmission of infectious agents.

Where reference is made to a Standard by its number only, the reference applies to the current edition of the document. Where reference is made to a Standard by number, year and where relevant an amendment number, the reference applies to that specific document.

Prevention of health care associated infection in patients undergoing dental, allied health, medical or surgical procedures is an essential component of patient safety in the delivery of high quality health care. It avoids unnecessary pain and suffering and lessens health care costs. Effective and safe reprocessing of RMDs/other devices in health service organizations (HSOs) is a critical aspect in the prevention of health care associated infection.

The prevention of infection also applies to reprocessing of RMDs/other devices undertaken in nonhealth related facilities where skin piercing, tattooing and other procedures where the skin is breached occur, or when mucous membranes are contacted.