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Sterile processing technicians handle medical instruments contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Many instruments include sharp edges and points that could cut or puncture technicians. Staying safe when manually cleaning requires attention to potential safety hazards both in and out of the sink.

Water quality is critical in any process within a Sterile Processing Department (SPD). Inadequate water quality during medical device reprocessing can cause a number of negative outcomes.

Low temperature sterilization processes such as ethylene oxide and vaporized hydrogen peroxide play a critical role in sterile processing departments across the United States. 

The instructions for use (IFU) that are delivered with every new medical device by the manufacturer are intended to enable safe use of the item. They are a mandatory component for the sale and use of the device because of the product’s impact on patient safety

Today, robots with specially designed instruments can assist in a variety of laparoscopic procedures.

 

Manual cleaning in a hospital sterile processing department (SPD) is a specific, complex, and labor-intensive process that cannot be taken lightly. Although technology and automation are integral to the instrument processing workflow, the manual precleaning process can’t be automated – it requires a careful human touch.

Most medical devices that go through sterile processing departments spend time in mechanical cleaning. Dirty medical devices enter, and clean ones leave. Many assume all the safety hazards are found on the dirty side of operation, but mechanical cleaning safety is truly a tale of two sides.

Scope processing professionals are under constant pressure to produce endoscopes processed according to each device’s instructions for use and conforming to all industry standards and hospital guidelines requiring documentation on conforming outcomes, quality standards, and performance measurement.