Sterile Processing Technician

Description:

Performs duties in Central Sterile Processing Department in Decontamination, Instrument Preparation and Assembly, and Sterilization/Disinfection relating to cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment to be used in patient care. Disassembles complex instruments, supplies and equipment; sorts and inspects for damage and reports needed repairs. Selects the mode of decontamination best suited for items on hand. Assembles, prepares and packages instrument trays, surgical instruments, equipment, and specialty items. Determines the appropriate sterilization or disinfection method and follows appropriate steps for reprocessing. Follows strict documentation guidelines for tray management, biological/chemical test results, equipment functionality, and reprocessing steps. Duties: • Receives, sorts, disassembles and processes contaminated instruments and equipment using the procedures and guidelines as established by Infection Control. Removes soil, blood, tissue fragments and body fluids by wiping, soaking, rinsing, scrubbing and using ultrasonic or other mechanical methods, as applicable. • Assembles all instrument sets following prescribed manner and as outlined on the Instrument Count Sheets. Properly documents missing items from the set and labels sets correctly. Takes action to correct problems with instrument sets and reports any unresolved issues. • Sterilizes instruments, equipment, linen and supplies using various types of autoclaves and aerators. Reprocesses equipment via high level disinfection as appropriate. Loads and operates machinery in prescribed manner and sets controls to correct specifications for the items being sterilized. • Properly documents all activities related to instrument/equipment decontamination, assembly, disinfection, and sterilization in the Instrument Tracking System (SPM, Censitrac) or established manual systems. • Observe and interpret biological, mechanical and chemical monitors relevant to processing/sterilizing. Record results and maintains required records. Initiates recalls as required. • Issues items to customers and departments according to established procedures. • Observes and reports to supervisor any unfamiliar items with or without appropriate processing literature. Reports equipment requiring repair as needed. Is self-directed and intervenes with corrections to variances in the processing practice.

Skills:

CST, CSA, sterilization, aseptic, cleanroom, sterile processing, surgical instrumentation, autoclave

Top Skills Details:

CST,CSA

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

Required Certifications/Registrations/Licensure Certification as either 1) Sterile Processing Technician from either CBSPD or IAHCSMM or 2) Surgical Technologist from either NBSTSA or NCCT is preferred Applicants without Sterile Processing or Surgical Technologist certification (CRCST, CSPDT, CST) are required to obtain CRCST certification via IAHCSMM within ONE (1) year of meeting the eligibility requirements to sit for the certification exam. Eligibility is defined by IAHCSMM as "10 weeks (400 hours) experience" in a Sterile Processing hospital setting.

Experience Level:

Intermediate Level