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Medical Matters: How data is used to drive safer medical device reprocessing in medical clinics
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March Messenger 2026 |
Posted March 12, 2026
Read time: 2 minutes
By: Cody Dingreville, Outgoing Program Manager, IPAC, and current Senior Manager, Non-Hospital Surgical Facilities
Did you know that CPSA’s Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) Program conducts a minimum of 150 on-site Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) assessments in medical clinics across Alberta each year? These assessments provide valuable insight into clinics’ strengths, opportunities for improvement and recurring compliance trends.
We actively use assessment data, particularly trends in deficiencies, to inform the development of targeted resources that support physicians and clinic teams in meeting CPSA requirements and strengthening patient and staff safety.
In 2025, the most common deficiency identified 103 times was the absence of robust clinic-specific policies and procedures related to medical device reprocessing.
In response, we created the guidance document: Developing Policies & Procedures to Support Safe & Effective Medical Device Reprocessing in Medical Clinics. This resource is designed to support both new and existing clinics in building comprehensive, clinic-specific MDR policies and procedures that align with CPSA requirements, which ensures safe patient care and protection for clinic staff.
Additionally, we have published the resource: Top 10 2025 MDR Deficiencies in Medical Clinics. This resource outlines the most common deficiencies identified during MDR assessments and provides targeted guidance and supporting resources to help clinics proactively address each area.
Through continuous data analysis and resource development, the IPAC Program remains committed to supporting clinics in achieving compliance, improving quality processes and ensuring safe care for Albertans.
For more information on all things IPAC, including MDR templates and clinic registration instructions, please visit the medical clinics page on CPSA’s website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ipac@cpsa.ab.ca or 780-423-4764.
We sincerely thank physicians and medical clinic staff for their continued hard work, ensuring their patients receive safe, high-quality health care.
I believe the changes required for reprocessing diagnostic contact lenses and tonometry instruments in ophthalmology offices was made without evidence. Consider that some offices have had to change to a more expensive method of reprocessing while other offices continue to use old methods and yet there is no difference in infection risk between these offices. Consider further that other provinces and other countries use the old method and yet those jurisdictions don’t have a problem. How does the CPSA square that circle?
Thank you for reading Messenger. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Historically, certain devices such as tonometers did not have validated instructions for medical device reprocessing. In the absence of manufacturer guidance, augmented processes were often implemented to help ensure patient safety and maintain access to care. Over time, advancements in products, equipment and technology have led to improvements in medical device reprocessing practices, including the development of validated reprocessing instructions for the equipment and chemistries which must be followed.
Medical clinics are required to comply with CPSA Medical Device Reprocessing Requirements (https://cpsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Medical-Device-Requirements-for-Medical-Clinics.pdf). Community medical clinics are assessed on a continuous cycle, during which areas of non-compliance may be identified and addressed. Ongoing awareness of and alignment with current requirements remains an important responsibility of the Medical Director to help ensure continued compliance and patient safety.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to ipac@cpsa.ab.ca for more information.