Sterile Processing Technician (SPD)

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Surgical Services, the Sterile Processing Technician decontaminates, processes, and prepares surgical instruments, scopes, and equipment for procedures and patient care. The technician supports safe, efficient operations by complying with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards; applicable federal, state, and local regulations; and organizational and departmental policies. This role requires initiative, sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. Inspection and Evaluation: Conduct thorough inspections of all surgical instruments and instrument sets to assess their quality and functionality. Ensure that all items meet the established standards for safety and efficiency prior to being used in surgical procedures.
2. Equipment Operation: Proficiently operate a variety of equipment essential for the cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization processes. This includes, but is not limited to, steam sterilizers, Sterrad sterilizers, sonic washers, washer decontaminators, and cart washers. Follow the manufacturer’s written instructions meticulously to ensure optimal performance. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all equipment usage, including the results of any biological testing conducted. 
3. Supply Management: Monitor inventory levels of SPD consumable supplies meticulously. Communicate any instances of low stock to appropriate personnel. Assess items for the need for repair or replacement to maintain operational efficiency. Validate the completeness and integrity of surgical instrument sets to ensure effective sterilization before use. 
4. Preparation for Operating Room Procedures: Assemble all necessary instruments and supplies for various surgical procedures in the Operating Room (OR). Ensure expedient and accurate returns of unused supplies and instrument trays from the OR to their designated locations in the SPD sterile supply room. Efficiently restock supplies in the OR suites from the SPD sterile supply room inventory, ensuring that all essential items are readily available for surgical teams. 
5. Daily Operations Coordination: Organize and coordinate the daily flow of instruments, medical devices, and accessories, ensuring that all items are available when needed for surgical teams. This includes tracking instrument usage and availability to prevent delays in surgical schedules. 
6. Sterilization Monitoring: Monitor and accurately interpret the results of physical, chemical, and biological indicators used within all types of sterilizers in the sterile processing areas. Document findings meticulously to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and to uphold the highest standards of sterilization practices. 
7. Infection Control Compliance: Strictly adhere to standard precautions and protocols, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Implement proper infection control measures in accordance with OSHA, Joint Commission, and safety standards, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. 
8. Safety Procedures: Follow established safety procedures and the manufacturer’s guidelines when handling cleaning solutions, supplies, and equipment. Engage in regular training to stay current with best practices for health and safety within the sterile processing environment. 
9. Quality Improvement Initiatives: Actively assist in initiatives aimed at improving the quality of sterile processing services. Provide support in identifying relevant data and evidence to establish benchmarks for performance and efficiency as directed by management. 
10. Confidentiality Maintenance: Uphold and maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals and their health information in compliance with regulations and hospital policies. 
11. Professional Development: Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings, continuing education opportunities, and mandatory training sessions across the health system. Stay informed about new techniques, regulations, and trends relevant to surgery and sterilization practices. 
12. Additional Duties: Execute any additional duties assigned by the team lead or director, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting the team’s overall mission and objectives.

Requirements

Minimum Level of Education: Education level equivalent to completion high school.

Formal Training: Extensive knowledge and understanding of medical terminology and various surgical instruments used in operating room procedures, including their working parts and proper inspection techniques. Demonstrates ability to prioritize work without close supervision and has a memory for details. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential to ensure clarity and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Licensure, Certification, Registration: Candidates must hold a valid certification from CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution), HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Association), or IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materials Management). Candidates who are actively pursuing an Instrument Technician certification must obtain it within 12 months of hire. A current CST certification also satisfies this requirement.

Work Experience: Minimum of one (1) Year of experience in an acute care hospital, sterile processing, or surgery department and/or completion of a program for sterile processing/central supply technician, including comprehensive training in all aspects of decontamination procedures and sterilization procedures.