What standards should we use for the disinfection of large equipment?

There are no universal guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting large items of medical equipment. Washer/disinfectors provide one method of making medical equipment safe for staff and patients. Methods of evaluating the performance of such machines are discussed in an attempt to stimulate a much needed review of existing advice and guidelines on cleaning and disinfection. A plea is made for interested parties to agree practical standards for the cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment using washer/disinfectors.