Clarification on AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815

​In December 2014, Standards Australia published AS/NZS 4187:2014, Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations. The objective of this standard is to ensure that health services organisations correctly reprocess reusable medical devices so that they may be used safely without risk of transmission of infectious agents. The joint standard was developed by SA’s Technical Committee HE-023, Processing of Medical and Surgical Instruments. 

In 2006, the Technical Committee HE-023 also reviewed and republished AS/NZS 4815-2006 Office-based health care facilities – Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment. AS/NZS 4815 has been prepared for office-based health care facilities that primarily reprocess reusable medical devices using moist heat (steam under pressure) and dry heat (hot air sterilisation).

While the scope and content of the two standards may be related, AS/NZS 4187:2014 does not supersede or replace AS/NZS 4815:2006.