What Does the Central Sterile Processing Technician Do?

---

Have you ever wondered what goes on in surgery? While it’s easy to become distracted by all the heavy, life-threatening and life-saving procedures, sometimes the little things can be of great importance; specifically, sterile equipment and supplies. Using clean supplies will minimize the chance of infection, which is why there are many standards and practices in place that must be observed.

A central processing technician is a medical professional who specializes in stocking, sterilizing, packaging, and preparing tools and equipment that are used in surgical procedures. In preparation of a day in the operating room, central sterile processing technicians must be diligent in service. An incredible amount of forethought goes into this job description. There is little more important than securing an aseptic outcome of each and every surgery performed, and the central sterile processing technician in instrumental in completing this goal.

First Things: Evaluate

Upon arrival on a given shift, if relieving a fellow worker, a report may be in order. There will be discussion about incoming vendor trays, special needs for the day, and any problematic occurrences on the previous shift. If trays are in process, it should be discussed about what stage they are in. If there is trouble with an autoclave or other equipment, now is the time to relay the information to the oncoming personnel. Missing instruments, late arrivals and instruments out for repair should definitely be discussed and documented.

The Germ Count

Biological are usually run at the beginning of every 24-hour period. This will be one of the first duties of the day. These are live bacterial spores and they will be inserted into every machine that terminally sterilizes surgical instruments and supplies. Steam autoclaves, ethylene oxide autoclaves, water-sterilization units, and hydrogen peroxide units will all have a live spore processed through a regular cycle. When the cycle is complete, the spore is removed, crushed to activate the spores, then incubated between 24 and 48 hours. These spores are watched for bacterial growth. All results will be documented on appropriate records books.

Checking the List

A helpful thing to do when planning accuracy in the operating room is to get a copy of the surgery schedule and look for any procedure that may need special order items, one of a kind instrument, or particular doctor’s preference. Many calamities may be intercepted just by checking to make sure everything is available as needed.

Dishwashing Counts

Performing a quick walk through the department may reveal problems on the previous shift. Checking to make sure no cords or attachments were left in a sink or drain is always helpful. Also, checking the bottoms of washer sterilizers for random objects is wise. Any dirty unattended instruments should be cold water rinsed immediately and placed into the washer-sterilizer. Any instruments that belong to other departments should be delivered to those departments and pick up of any sort should be taken care of. These are just some duties of the central sterile processing technician.