Cardiac Investigation Unit

An updated version of HPU 170 Cardiac Investigation Unit (Version 4, August 2026) has been published on the AusHFG website.

The guideline has undergone a comprehensive review through an extensive consultation process involving clinical, operational and technical experts, together with consumer representatives. 

The updated guideline strengthens alignment with current operational models and emerging best practice in the planning and design of cardiac investigation facilities. It provides clearer guidance for planners, designers and health services delivering inpatient and outpatient cardiac investigation services.

Key updates to the document include:

• Updated Cardiac Investigation Unit (CIU) introduction, terminology and models of care to align with contemporary clinical practice.
• Revised cardiac catheter laboratory operational model guidance, including an updated comparison of common service models.
• Clarified bariatric patient management requirements, including limitations on ceiling-mounted hoists and associated IPC considerations.
• Added guidance on increasing anaesthetist-led sedation models and associated infrastructure impacts.
• Updated reusable medical device (RMD) reprocessing requirements to align with AS 5369, including expanded guidance for TTE and TOE probe disinfection.
• Expanded functional relationship, adjacency and access guidance between the CIU and related clinical services.
• Introduced an ECG / ABP / Holter Monitoring Room for high-volume services and removed the Tilt Table Testing Room from contemporary planning recommendations.
• Enhanced environmental planning guidance covering acoustics, vibration control, privacy, natural light, biophilic design, artwork, signage and wayfinding.
• Expanded building and engineering requirements, including structural loading, ventilation, electrical services, ICT, medical gases, radiation safety and electromagnetic interference considerations.
• Updated non-standard components, including a renamed CIED Clinic, new Contrast Media Store and revised echocardiography-related spaces.
• Revised the Schedule of Accommodation, including new handwash bays and optional reprocessing rooms, updated catheter laboratory sizing recommendations, and recovery bay numbers adjusted to better reflect current models of care and benchmarking outcomes.