Chapter 1 - Introduction to Sterile Processing

Minimally Invasive surgery (MIS)

A surgical procedure that causes hardly any trauma to the patient; it is mostly performed through a cannula using lasers, endoscopes, or laparoscopes.

Decontamination

To make safe by removing or reducing contamination by infectious organisms or other harmful substances to an acceptable level

Cleaning

The removal of all visible and invisible soil and other foreign material from medical devices.

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 of any patient.

• Fluid-resistant gown

• Gloves

• eye protection

• mask

• face shield

• shoe covers

Sterilization

A process where 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 process the device

Case Cart system

An inventory control system for products/equipment typically used in an OR that involves use of an enclosed or covered cart.

Case cart

A cart prepared for an individual procedure. Case carts usually contain all instruments, supplies and utensils needed for a specific procedure

Doctor’s (physician’s) preference card

A document that identifies a physician’s requests and preferences for a specific medical procedure. Preference cards contain information regarding instruments, equipment, supplies, and utensils used by a specific physician. They may also include reminders for the staff of the physician’s preferences regarding patient draping, instruments, and supplies.

cart case pull sheet (pick list)

A list of specific supplies, utensils, and instruments for a specific procedure. SP techs use these lists to assemble the items for specific procedures.

Supply chain management

Department that acquire and distributes resources and manages supplies and services to providers and patients.

Standard Precautions

Method of using appropriate barriers to reduce the risk of transmissions of bloodborne and other pathogens. This standard applies to all patients, regardless of diagnosis or presumed infectious status

Healthcare associated infections (HAI)

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

Job description

A human resource tool that identifies the major tasks performed by individuals in specific positions.

SPD is the central location for…

the delivery of soiled (used) instruments medical devices and the distribution of clean and sterile items.

What are physical barriers and walls used for in SPD?

to facilitate one way flow of goods and maintain distinction between soiled and clean work areas.

What are the functional areas in SPD?

1. decontamination

2. prep and packaging

3. sterilization

4. sterile storage/distribution

What is the first step in the sterilization process?

Cleaning

SP techs must select the appropriate method of decontamination as recommended by who?

the device manufacturer

SP techs must have an understanding of what?

Microbiology, disinfecting agents, and the decontamination process.

After the items are safe for handling, where are they delivered to?

To the prep and pack area.

Items should be inspected for what?

Cleanliness, proper function, and possible defects.

Personnel must wear what in the preparation, packaging, and sterilization areas?

A scrub suit and hair coverings

The supply area

the storage of sterile instruments and supplies

The work in the supply area involves

receiving, storing, dispensing supplies, and sterile instruments

[workbook] The use of analytical skills to solve problems and make decisions is a component of:

Employability

[workbook] Instrument sets and other required instrumentation needed for all scheduled procedures for an entire day are usually pulled (collected):

The day or evening before it will be used

[workbook] Working in the decontamination area requires:

1. Knowledge of microbiology

2. Knowledge of cleaning and disinfecting processes

3. Instrument identification

[workbook] Soiled instruments and other items are received in which area of the sterile processing department (SPD)?

Decontamination

[workbook] To minimize their exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other contaminates, sterile processing technicians must wear special attire referred to as?

Personal Protective equipment

[workbook] Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are:

Those that occur on or after day three of a hospitalization

[workbook] The human resources tool that defines job duties performed by persons in a specific position is called a:

Job description

[workbook] While items may be dispensed to all areas of a facility, the major focus of the SPD is:

The operating room

[workbook] Improving employability requires:

Maintaining professional standards of conduct

[workbook] A case cart pull sheet (pick list) contains information that:

Identifies the supplies, utensils, and instruments needed for a specific physician and procedure

[workbook] In SP, the concept of “one-way flow of materials” refers to the movement of products from:

Soiled areas to clean processing areas within the SPD