Sterile Processing Study Guide: Powered Surgical Instruments & Sterilization Packaging

A vocabulary flashcard set covering key terms, definitions, and concepts from the Sterile Processing Study Guide on Powered Surgical Instruments, Chapter 12 Sterilization Packaging & Indicators, and Laparoscopic Instrument Insulation Testing.

Dermatome / dermabrader

A powered instrument used to remove or cut thin layers of skin.

Cebotome

A powered surgical instrument used to cut bone.

Sternal saw

A saw used to cut through the breastbone (sternum), usually during open-heart surgery.

Dental drill

A powered instrument used to cut, shape, or remove tooth material.

Micro drill

A small, high-speed powered drill used for precise work, often in delicate or small surgical areas.

Saw

A powered or manual instrument with a cutting blade used to cut bone or other tissue.

Electric powered

An instrument powered by electricity, usually through a cord or battery system.

Pneumatic

An instrument powered by compressed air or gas.

Operative

Related to or used during a surgical operation.

Battery

A portable power source used to operate battery-powered surgical instruments.

Leak testing

endoscope processing procedures that ensures the devices flexible covering and internal channels are watertight

Loaned instruments

Surgical instruments temporarily provided by another facility, company, or vendor for a procedure.

Laparoscopic instrument insulation

The protective coating around a laparoscopic instrument that prevents electrical current from reaching unintended areas.

Decontamination battery

The battery or battery component associated with a powered instrument that must be handled according to the manufacturer's cleaning instructions; batteries may need to be removed before cleaning.

Arthroscope

A small rigid scope used to view the inside of a joint.

Flexible endoscope

A bendable scope used to look inside body organs or passages.

Rigid / semi-rigid endoscopes

Scopes that are straight or only slightly flexible and are used to view internal body areas.

Endoscopic cameras

Cameras attached to endoscopes that provide an enlarged image of the inside of the body.

Robotic instruments

Specialized instruments used with robotic surgical systems to perform precise surgical movements.

Indicator tape

Tape with a chemical indicator that changes color when exposed to certain sterilization conditions.

Chemical indicators

devices used to monitor the presence or attainment of one more of the parameters required for a satisfactory sterilization process

Sequential

Occurring in a particular order, one step after another.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration; a U.S. agency that regulates medical devices, drugs, and other health-related products.

Square / envelope fold

A method of folding sterilization packaging so the item is completely covered and the package can be securely sealed.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency; a U.S. agency that regulates environmental matters and many disinfectants and chemical products.

Plastic / paper

A sterilization packaging material made with a plastic film on one side and paper on the other.

Spunbond polyolefin-plastic combination

A strong sterilization packaging system made from a synthetic material such as spunbond polyolefin combined with plastic.

Sterilization packaging material

Material designed to allow sterilant to enter while maintaining sterility after processing.

Count sheets

Lists used to identify and verify the instruments that belong in a surgical set.

Insulation

A protective covering that prevents electrical current from traveling where it should not.

Verification indicator

An indicator used to provide evidence that a process or condition has been checked or verified.

Superheating

Heating a liquid above its normal boiling point without it immediately boiling; in sterilization, overheating can affect the process or materials.

Rigid sterilization containers

instruments container that holds medical devices during sterilization and protects devices from contamination during storage and transport .

Insulation testing

Testing that checks whether the instrument's insulating layer is still protecting against unwanted electrical leakage.