To prevent the spread of disease, reusable instruments used in skin penetration procedures must be thoroughly cleaned and then sterilised using a bench-top steriliser.

This fact sheet has been developed by NSW Health to assist practitioners sterilise their reusable instruments. This will prevent the spread of disease, as well as enable practitioners meet the requirements of the Public Health Regulation 2012.

Sterilisation kills micro organisms including bacteria (and their spores), fungi and viruses. According to the Public Health Regulation 2012, all re-usable instruments which penetrate the skin must be sterilised.

(Instruments should be cleaned as soon as practicable after use)

You can call 1300 066 055 to talk to your local Public Health Unit.​​