Sterile Processing Technician I

Responsibilities
PERFORMS INSTRUMENT DECONTAMINATION FUNCTIONS:

• Disassembles, cleans, and disinfects instruments and equipment used for patient care utilizing correct manual and mechanical processes.

• Operates equipment used in the decontamination process, i.e. sonic washer, cart washers, washer sterilizers and decontaminators.

• Transports case carts from soiled holding area in surgery to the decontamination room. Unloads case cart containing soiled instruments and places in designated area. Places case carts in cart washer.

• Performs cleaning tasks in work area as assigned.

• Uses universal precautions when working in decontamination area (i.e., gloves, face shields, protective gown).

• Utilizes SPM computer system to track instruments and case carts.

• Makes rounds throughout the facility to retrieve reusable instruments and equipment and transports back to Sterile Processing Department.

ASSEMBLES INSTRUMENT TRAYS AND PACKS:

• Unloads instruments from washer sterilizers and distributes to appropriate workstations.

• Utilizes SPM to assemble tray according to standards and procedures identified.

• Follows manufacturer’s Instructions for Use to assure proper reassembly is performed.

• Assembles selected instrument trays and packs (basins, peel packs, small instrument sets) utilizing written instructions and proper protocol.

• Checks for sharpness and proper functioning of instruments.

• Recognizes and memorizes a large variety of instruments.

• Applies sterilization wrappers/containers properly to maintain the integrity of the contents.

• Utilizes heat sealer on packs as needed.

• Each item is identified correctly on the outside packaging of each item.

• Loads sterilizer carriage and transports trays to sterilization area.

• Performs sterilization procedures utilizing Steam and Sterrad sterilization

• Utilizes SPM to build Sterilization loads and the quality assurance test involved with each load.

• Monitors and documents biological and chemical indicator results to assure that all sterilization parameters were met and documented.

BUILDS SURGICAL CASE CARTS :

• Surgical preference lists are obtained from computer to build case cart.

• Location of instruments and supplies are labeled to increase efficiency.

• Case carts are distributed to specified area.

• Procedural carts used in all patient care areas are restocked, stored, or returned to appropriate area..

• Utilizes SPM to capture the build of a case cart and identifies that all instrumentation has been sterilized properly before adding to the cart.