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Starting a new job is stressful. Learning thousands of instruments and thoroughly cleaning and preparing each for patient use can be overwhelming. Before jumping in to learn all the details, the Clinical Education veterans at STERIS have some pointers for the Sterile Processing Technicians just starting out.

Steam sterilization is a wet process, but it doesn’t have to lead to wet packs.

Most healthcare facilities are familiar with terminal sterilization and IUSS. However, the newer Short Cycle defies previous categories.

In order to address the potential gaps of surface disinfection, newer technologies such as ultraviolet light in the C spectrum (UV-C) have become available in multiple settings.

Surgical instruments and other reusable devices can be washed and disinfected prior to sterilization in an automated washer disinfector. The use of automated equipment helps standardize the cleaning process, providing optimal cleaning and improving patient safety. These types of equipment are subject to maintenance and repairs, and this article aims to present critical operational assessments to be performed by the end-user after maintenance, before release for use.

Using the right rack; choosing the right cycle; and servicing the washer-disinfector are critical to the success of cleaning.

Considering water as an essential element, its use occurs in several stages of processing: displacement of dirt through spraying in thermo-disinfecting washers and cavitation in ultrasonic washers, dilution of cleaning solutions, and in rinsing of medical devices.

Water crises are often not top-of-mind for hospital leaders or sterile processing managers. Yet when water is not available or can’t be used, instrument processing must come to a halt, which dramatically impacts the hospital’s surgical schedule.