Standard 1.6 - The Healthcare Associated Infection Standard

Standard 1.6 - The Healthcare Associated Infection Standard

Any practice using radiography and diagnostic imaging, including, dental practices, urology and obstetrics practices, must adhere to Standard 1.6 for healthcare-associated infection. This is particularly focused on high-level disinfection of reusable, semi-critical medical devices in this field, and is essential for DIAS accreditation, National Health and Safety Standards, Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare, and more.

What is the aim of Standard 1.6?

This standard has been implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria to both staff and patients. It contains critical guidelines for the diagnostic imaging sector, ensuring you have the correct practices in place to ensure that no infections are transmitted when medical devices are used by staff on multiple patients.

Meeting Standard 1.6

Part 1 – Disinfectant products

To achieve this, Standard 1.6 requires staff to reprocess semi-critical reusable devices by cleaning them with a high-level disinfectant that meets the requirements of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. These disinfectants are powerful enough to kill all microbial pathogens other than large numbers of bacterial endospores. They must meet the following requirements:

  • They are recommended by the manufacturer of the medical device
  • Are liquid, high-instrument-grade chemical disinfectants OR
  • High-level instrument-grade disinfectant wipes OR
  • Are an automated disinfection system (chemical or light-based)

The following do not meet the requirements:

  • Alcohol wipes
  • Antibacterial tablets or solutions
  • Stain removing powders or solutions

Part 2 – Disinfection processes

Disinfection must follow specific processes in order to maintain DIAS accreditation and safety standards. This includes:

  • Cleaning processes as required by the equipment manufacturer
  • Storage requirements for reusable medical devices after cleaning and disinfection
  • Use and disposal of any single-use components
  • Logging and tracing processes for patients, the procedure, the equipment used, and the reprocessing of that equipment

Without meeting these standards, DIAS accreditation standards will not be met.

Get specialist DIAS accreditation services for your diagnostic imaging practice today

With over 20 years of industry experience, the team at Excelsior Accreditation are expert in assisting medical professionals in meeting and maintaining their DIAS certification. Whether you are starting a new practice, want to achieve full accreditation for your existing practice, or would like your DIAS certification to be professionally maintained, we’re here to provide the expert guidance and tailored services you require.

 

We’ve streamlined this essential administrative process to assist your practice in not only achieving DIAS certification but also maintaining it through the 4-year renewal cycle.