BACKGROUND The aims of the study were (1) to assess current infection control practice within general medical practices and establish a base line; (2) to identify potential infection control problems; (3) to assess the need for local infection control guidelines or standards related to general medical practice; (4) to assess the need for educational provision. METHODS A survey was carried out, using questionnaire and structured interviews, of all general practices (92) within a Health Board area with a patient population of 561,300. RESULTS Forty two (46 per cent) practices participated, serving 67 per cent of the patient population. Only three (7 per cent) practices had written infection control policies and only six (14 per cent) provided training on the subject. Thirty (71 per cent) practices had autoclaves; however, performance monitoring was poor. The majority of high-risk instruments were adequately decontaminated; of the medium-risk instruments, the auriscope speculum was the item most frequently inadequately treated [36 practices (88 per cent)]. Deficiencies were identified in treatment of blood spillage, and protective clothing provision was variable. The majority, 40 (95 per cent) practices, had systems to deal with clinical waste; however, only two (5 per cent) reported use of BS7320 sharps containers on domiciliary visits. Despite the recognized dangers, 23 (55 per cent) practices resheathed needles and only six (14 per cent) had first aid guidance for needlestick injuries. Only eight (19 per cent) practices knew and recorded staff immunity to hepatitis B following vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Some deficiencies in infection control practice were identified and the need for policy guidance and staff training was highlighted.