Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile Processing Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, definitions, and concepts from Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile Processing.

Sterile Processing department (SPD)

The central location in a healthcare facility that performs reprocessing activities—including cleaning, inspecting, disinfecting, and sterilizing reusable medical devices—and manages the delivery of soiled items and distribution of clean/sterile supplies.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS)

A surgical procedure performed in a manner that causes little or no trauma or injury to the patient; it is often performed through a cannula using lasers, endoscopes, or laparoscopes, resulting in smaller incisions, less tissue damage, less pain, and minimal scarring.

Decontamination

The physical or chemical process that renders an inanimate object—such as a medical device contaminated with harmful microbes—safe for further handling by removing or reducing contamination to an acceptable level.

Cleaning

The removal of all visible and non-visible soil and any other foreign material from medical devices being processed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

A part of Standard Precautions for all healthcare workers to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure when in contact with blood and body fluids; includes fluid-resistant protective clothing, disposable gloves, eye protection, face masks, and shoe covers.

Sterilization

The process by which all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi, are completely destroyed.

Instructions for use (IFU)

Information provided by a device manufacturer that provides detailed instructions on how to properly use and/or process the device.

Case cart system

An inventory control system for products/equipment typically used in an OR that involves the use of an enclosed or covered cart (generally prepared for one surgical case and not used for general supply replenishment).

Case cart

A cart prepared for an individual procedure containing all instruments, supplies, and utensils needed for a specific procedure.

Doctor's (physician's) preference card

A document that identifies a physician's needs (requests and preferences) for a specific medical procedure, including instruments, equipment, supplies, utensils, and reminders regarding patient draping.

Case cart pull sheet (pick list)

A list of specific supplies, utensils, and instruments for a specific procedure used by SP technicians to assemble the items needed for individual cases.

Supply Chain Management

The department that procures and distributes resources and manages supplies, goods, and services to providers and patients (also known as Materials Management).

Standard Precautions

A method of using appropriate barriers to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens, applying to all patients regardless of diagnosis or presumed infectious status.

Healthcare-associated infection (HAI)

An infection that is not present when a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility; if the infection develops on or after day three of admission, it is referred to as an HAI.

Job description

A Human Resources tool that identifies the major tasks performed by individuals in specific positions.

One-way flow

The required workflow movement of materials in the SPD from the soiled area to the clean processing area and on to the sterile storage area to maintain distinction between work areas and minimize cross-contamination.

Loaned instruments

Instruments brought into a healthcare facility for a specific patient procedure, for evaluation of new technology, or to use while existing devices are being repaired.

Ethics

Conforming to accepted and professional standards of conduct ('doing the right thing in the right way') in the healthcare environment.