CBSPD prep

Sterile Processing Technicians

Professionals who ensure that all medical devices are free of infectious organisms and safe for patient use.

Sterile Storage and Distribution

The area dedicated to the storage of sterile instruments and/or clean or sterile supplies, dispensed to various areas like the OR.

One-way flow

A process in sterile processing that follows a flow from decontamination area, through preparation and packaging, to storage, reducing contamination risk.

Decontamination area

The area where soiled instruments and other items are received after use in surgery or medical procedures, considered contaminated until cleaned.

PPE in Decontamination

Personal protective equipment worn by personnel in the decontamination area to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including fluid-resistant face masks and gloves.

Preparation and Packaging Area

The area where decontaminated instruments are inspected, assembled, packaged for sterilization, and labeled according to sterilization requirements.

Sterilization

The process of ensuring that instruments are properly loaded and operated in sterilizers according to the Instructions for Use (IFU) from manufacturers.

Quality Assurance

Measures such as biological and chemical indicators that ensure proper sterilization and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Cleaning

The first step in the sterilization process, essential for removing contaminants from instruments.

Instruments

Tools used in patient procedures that must be properly decontaminated, sterilized, and prepared for surgery.

Hospital-acquired infections

Infections that patients can acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting.

Fluid-resistant face mask

A type of PPE that protects the wearer from exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the decontamination area.

Eye protection

A form of PPE that safeguards the eyes from potential exposure to infectious materials.

Fluid-resistant gown

A protective garment worn in the decontamination area to minimize exposure to contaminants.

General purpose gloves

Gloves worn by personnel in the decontamination area to protect against exposure to infectious materials.

Fluid-resistant shoe covers

Protective covers worn over shoes to prevent contamination in the decontamination area.

Surgical instruments

Tools specifically designed for use in surgical procedures, requiring in-depth knowledge for proper handling and sterilization.

Biological indicators

Quality assurance tools used to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

Chemical indicators

Tools used in quality assurance to ensure proper sterilization by changing color when exposed to certain conditions.

Sterilization cycle records

Documentation maintained to verify compliance with safety and quality standards during sterilization.

Manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFU)

Guidelines provided by manufacturers that must be followed for the proper loading and operation of sterilizers.

Central Service Department

The department responsible for the cleanliness, sterilization, and proper functioning of medical devices.

Patient care

The services provided to patients to ensure their health and safety during medical procedures.

Ectomy

Means surgical removal.

Septorhinoplasty

Surgical restoration of the nose.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Incision and drainage

Incision into and removal (drainage) of pus or fluid from an abscess or infected area.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

A visualization and treatment via laparoscopy followed by the removal of the uterus from the vagina.

Rhino

Means nose.

Septo

Means dividing wall.

Hemiarthroplasty

Surgical restoration of a half joint.

Chole

Means bile.

Total Hip Arthroplasty

Hip joint reconstruction by removing the bone and placing a plastic/metal component in the hip socket as well as the femoral head resulting in the completely rebuilt joint.

Open reduction internal fixation

Treatment of a fractured bone with an incision and the use of plates and screws or pins to hold the fragments together.

Plasty

Means surgical restoration.

Arthro

Means joint.

Transurethral resection of the prostate

Surgical removal of part of the prostate gland by inserting instruments across the urethra to reach the prostate internally.

Cyst

Means fluid-filled sac.

Cell

The basic living unit of life.

Cell membrane

Surrounds the cell, keeping it separated from its outside environment.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the nucleus.

Nucleus

The brain center of the cell containing the cell's genetic material.

Tissues

Group of similar cells that perform similar functions.

Organs

Formed when different types of tissues work together to perform a specific function.

Body Systems

A group of organs working together to perform major functions in the body.

Skeletal System

206 bones that give shape, allow movement, protect vital organs, produce blood cells, and store calcium.

Muscular System

Includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.

Nervous System

Divided into the central nervous system (brain & spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system.

Endocrine System

Composed of glands that secrete hormones to regulate body functions.

Urinary and Excretory Systems

Responsible for eliminating waste from the body.

Respiratory System

Supplies the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Prions

Abnormal protein particles, which can cause diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD).

Fungi

Plant-like organisms, such as molds, mushrooms, and yeasts, that can cause infections in humans.

Bacteria

Microscopic organisms measured in microns.

Spherical (Cocci)

A common shape of bacteria that is spherical.

Rod-like (Bacilli)

A common shape of bacteria that is rod-shaped.

Spiral (Spirochetes)

A common shape of bacteria that is spiral.

Endospores (Spores)

Some bacteria can form spores making them resistant to disinfectant and sterilization, and are very difficult to kill.

Gram Staining

A method of classifying bacteria based on how they react to purple stain.

Gram-Negative bacteria

Do not retain the purple stain and appear pink.

Gram-positive bacteria

Retains the purple stain.

Aerobic bacteria

Require oxygen to survive.

Anaerobic bacteria

Do not require oxygen.

Viruses

The smallest microorganisms that are transmitted primarily by airborne droplets contaminated water or food.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission of viruses such as Chickenpox, influenza, and common cold.

Food/Water Transmission

Transmission of viruses such as Rotavirus and norovirus.

Direct Contact Transmission

Transmission of viruses such as cold sores, genital herpes, genital warts, and rabies.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that thrive in moist environments and are often anaerobic.

SPD department

Supports infection prevention by cleaning contaminated surgical or medical devices to ensure they are safe for handling.

Asepsis

Understanding asepsis is important to reduce the number of microorganisms to minimize spread.

Medical asepsis

Performed to reduce the number of microorganisms.

Surgical asepsis

Performed to eliminate the presence of all microorganisms.

Five Basic Principles of Asepsis

Know what is dirty, know what is clean, know what is sterile, keep the three previous conditions separated, remedy contamination immediately.

PPE

Personal protective equipment required in decontamination areas.

Professional Associations

AAMI standards are a key resource for healthcare guidelines.

Regulatory Agencies

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that foods, cosmetics, drugs, and medical devices are safe and effective for public use.

Class 1 Devices

Low risk, most hand-held surgical instruments.

Class 1 Devices

Low risk, most hand-held surgical instruments. Subject to general reporting and quality system regulations.

Class 2 Devices

Devices that are considered to pose potential risks that warrant a higher level of regulation. These include types of sterilization equipment, biological and chemical indicators.

Class 3 Devices

The most highly regulated include heart valves, pacemakers and other life sustaining devices.

CDC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention; this federal agency works to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury and disability, and by responding to health emergencies.

DOT

The U.S. Department of Transportation; this federal government agency is dedicated to ensuring fast, safe and efficient transportation.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; OSHA operates under the US Department of Labor and has a primary role and responsibility to protect workers from occupational-caused illnesses and injuries.

CMS

The Centers for Medical and Medicaid Services; CMS administers the standards of HIPAA to protect a patient's medical records and personal health information.

Contaminated items

Should be contained prior to transportation to the decontamination area.

CS decontamination area

After reusable instruments and other devices are used, they are transported to the CS decontamination area to be processed for reuse.

Point of use preparation

Does not replace the cleaning process but is to begin the cleaning process.

Removal of gross soil

Should be done in the Operating Room; sharps and disposable items should be removed and disposed of in the OR.

Instruments preparation

Instruments should be opened and/or disassembled; instrument sets should be kept together.

Moist instruments

Instruments should be kept moist to prevent soil from drying on the surface.

Manual cleaning tools

Include various types and sizes of brushes, cleaning cloths, or sponges; there are also a few mechanical cleaners available.

Ultrasonic cleaners

Used for fine cleaning and removal of soil from small joints, crevices and other difficult to clean areas; they use a method called cavitation.

Decontamination area humidity

The relative humidity of the decontamination area is 30 - 60%.

Three-sink arrangement

The preferred setup for cleaning; all soiled items should flow dirty to clean.

Cool rinse sink

One sink should be designated for a cool rinse - cool water should be used to reduce coagulation of the proteins and removes gross soil.

Detergent sink

The next sink contains water and detergent or an enzymatic solution; the sink is filled with warm water within 80F-110F degrees.

Water temperature monitoring

The temperature of the water should be monitored.

Temperature Monitoring

The temperature of the water should be monitored.

Detergents and Enzymatics Mixing

Detergents and enzymatic should be mixed per the instructions from the manufacturer.

Final Rinse

The final sink should be a rinse with DI or RO water to prevent instrument spotting and rinse off any residual cleaning residues.