The Sound of Clean

Improvement strategies explore how technology may help address the needs for increased productivity and how to effectively quantify the improvements.

By Angela Ritchey

The rising volume of surgical procedures and the increasing complexity of medical instruments pose significant challenges for Sterile Processing (SP) departments. These teams must ensure thorough reprocessing of intricate devices while maintaining operational efficiency. Among the essential yet often underutilized technologies in the decontamination process is the ultrasonic cleaner. This tool is particularly effective for cleaning complex surgical instruments—especially those with lumens, hinges, or delicate components—that are difficult to reach through manual or standard automated methods.

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain how an ultrasonic functions
  2. Identify challenges ultrasonic use may address
  3. Review ultrasonic testing methods

About the Author

Angela Ritchey joined the STERIS team in 2022 as the Clinical Education Specialist for Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Prior to joining STERIS as a clinical education specialist, Angela worked in the Sterile Processing Department for more than 14 years as a Tech, Lead, Associate Manager, and most recently as a Market Manager for eight hospitals in the Midwest. Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is certified as a CRCST, CIS, CHL, and GTS and is a member of HSPA, ASQ, SGNA, AORN, and APIC.

Not Enrolled
$10.00

Course Includes

  • 1 Lesson
  • 1 Test
  • Course Certificate
  • CBSPD

    The CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) has pre-approved this in-service for one (1) contact hour for a period of five (5) years from the date of original publication. Successful completion of the lesson and post test must be documented by facility management and those records maintained by the individual until re-certification is required.

    DO NOT SEND LESSON OR TEST TO CBSPD.

    For additional information regarding certification contact CBSPD – 148 Main Street, Suite C-1, Lebanon, NJ 08833

    www.sterileprocessing.org.


    HSPA

    HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association) has pre-approved this in-service for 1.0 Continuing Education Credits for a period of three years.

    myhspa.org

    For more information, direct any questions to Healthcare Purchasing News (941) 259-0832.