Content Update: HPU 190 Sterilizing Services and Endoscope Reprocessing Units

An updated revision of HPU 190 Sterilizing Services and Endoscope Reprocessing Units (Revision 8, October 2025)  has been uploaded to the AusHFG website.  This review was focussed on updates to align with the Australian Standard AS5369:2023 “Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities”.  A full review of HPU 190 will be undertaken at a later date, in line with the five-year review cycle for AusHFG resources, acknowledging that the last full update was completed in 2022.

The revised version has been informed by extensive consultation with clinical, operational and technical experts including infection prevention and control advisors.

Key changes to the document include:

• Updates to terminology throughout the guideline to align with AS5369.
• Clarification throughout the document that pass through reprocessing equipment should be included in new or refurbished facility design. It is noted that pass-through sterilizers are best practice and should be provided, however they may not be practical in all circumstances, and it is still accepted practice in small facilities to have single door opening machines. Where pass-through sterilizers are not provided, the design shall ensure effective segregation of cleaning and dirty activities and unidirectional workflows from dirty to clean activities.
• Clarification that when purchasing new reprocessing equipment, Reusable Medical Devices  (RMDs), other devices and related accessories, the TGA requirements must be reviewed and items included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
• Updates to the information relating to point of use reprocessing to meet the requirements of AS5369.
• Minor revisions to the recommendations regarding cleaning sinks and hand wash basins in these units to align with the wording in AS5369.
• Additional guidance relating to ventilation requirements with reference to Figure A5.6.15 within AS5369 relating to ventilation design and operation, and ACSQHC, 2022, “Optimising ventilation for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings”.
• Updates to information relating to the transport of used RMDs.
• Emphasis on the need to consult with local sterilizing / reprocessing staff as well as Infection Prevention and Control experts when planning and designing these units to understand local service requirements.

A thank you is extended to all those who have contributed to the review and update of this document.

Kind Regards,

The AusHFG Team