Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) Review

Vocabulary-based flashcards covering the operations, layout, equipment, and specific sterilization parameters of the Central Sterile Supply Department.

CSSD

Central Sterile Supply Department; a hospital department that ensures patient safety by collecting, storing, and sterilizing medical equipment and supplies.

Decontamination

The process of disinfection or cleaning carried out prior to sterilizing soiled materials.

Supervisor’s Office (CSSD)

An area recommended to be glass-walled to provide an unobstructed view of processing activities while remaining out of the flow of work.

Light Table

A special inspection table used for examining linen wrappers for minute holes before sterilization.

Autoclave (Double-door)

High-vacuum steam and gas sterilizers designed as pass-through units between zones.

Equipment types in CSSD

Includes Ultrasonic cleaners, Washers, Disinfectors, Autoclaves, Ethylene oxide ($EO$) gas sterilizers, and Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizers.

FIFO System

First In, First Out; an inventory management system used to prevent the use of expired supplies.

Autoclave

A pressure chamber that uses steam under pressure to kill bacteria, viruses, spores, and fungi.

Standard Autoclave Parameters

$15 \text{ mins at } 15 \text{ psi at } 121^\text{o} \text{C}$.

High Pressure Autoclave Parameters ($134^\text{o} \text{C}$)

$3 \text{ mins at } 30 \text{ psi}$.

Medium Pressure Autoclave Parameters ($126^\text{o} \text{C}$)

$10 \text{ mins at } 20 \text{ psi}$.

Autoclave Limitations

It cannot be used for heat-sensitive materials.

Dry Heat Sterilization

A method that kills microorganisms through oxidation using high temperatures and dry air.

Dry Heat Parameter ($160^\text{o} \text{C}$)

Requires a duration of $2 \text{ HRS}$.

Dry Heat Parameter ($170^\text{o} \text{C}$)

Requires a duration of $1 \text{ HR}$.

Dry Heat Parameter ($180^\text{o} \text{C}$)

Requires a duration of $30 \text{ MINS}$.

Ethylene oxide ($EtO$) gas sterilization

A method that works by alkylation to disrupt DNA and proteins, used for heat-sensitive medical devices like catheters and pacemakers.

Alkylation

The mechanism by which Ethylene oxide gas disrupts the DNA and proteins of microorganisms.

Ethylene oxide ($EtO$) Disadvantages

It is toxic and carcinogenic, requires long aeration times, and is expensive.

Flash Autoclave

A rapid sterilization method performed at higher temperatures and shorter exposure times for urgent use, requiring instruments to be used immediately or transferred aseptically.