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National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

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Updated Guidance for Decontamination and testing of Cardiac Heater Cooler Units (HCUs) and new SBAR for Cardiac HCUs Air Sampling in the Management of HCUs now available

05 Nov 2026

In 2025, ARHAI Scotland undertook a rapid review examining the role of environmental sampling, including air sampling, in the management of HCUs. The review found that routine air sampling is not supported by the current evidence base or identified guidance documents. However, air sampling may provide useful information regarding aerosolisation and support risk assessment and investigation activities in specific circumstances.

These findings have informed an SBAR and interim amendments to this guidance pending future full review.