Roles & Responsibilities in Sterile Processing Department

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to roles and responsibilities in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) as discussed in the lecture notes.

Decontamination

The process of removing or cleansing the contaminants from medical instruments.

Sterile Processing Department (SPD)

A department responsible for the decontamination, sterilization, and packaging of medical instruments.

High Level Disinfection

A process that eliminates all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; gear worn to protect from exposure to hazards.

Bioburden

The number of microorganisms living on a surface that has not been disinfected or sterilized.

IFU

Instructions for Use; the manufacturer's specific guidelines for cleaning and sterilizing instruments.

Cleaning

The physical removal of visible soil from instruments to prepare them for sterilization.

Disinfection

The process of killing most microorganisms on a surface but not all.

Sterilization

A validated process used to render an item completely free of all viable microorganisms.

Autoclave

A pressurized chamber that uses saturated steam to sterilize equipment, the most common sterilization method.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

A machine that uses cavitation to dislodge dirt from instruments.

Washer-Disinfector

A high-tech, medical-grade dishwasher used to disinfect instruments.

Indicator

A tape or strip that changes color to indicate an item has been exposed to the sterilization process.

Ethylene Oxide

A chemical used for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments.

Compliance

Mandatory adherence to laws, regulations, or guidelines.

Regulation

A rule or law designed to govern behavior, which may be federal, state, or local.

PASS Technique

The PASS technique stands for Pull (the pin), Aim (the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire), Squeeze (the handle), and Sweep (the extinguisher from side to side).

Fire Extinguisher Type A

Designed for ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Fire Extinguisher Type B

Used for flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents.

Fire Extinguisher Type C

Effective for electrical fires involving equipment like appliances, wiring, and other energized electrical equipment.

Fire Extinguisher Type D

Specifically designed for combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

Fire Extinguisher Type K

Used for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as those from deep-frying appliances.

CDC Guidelines

Widely respected guidelines for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.

EPA Regulations

Regulations governing disinfectants, sterilants, and environmental emissions impacting Sterile Processing Department (SPD) operations.

FDA Oversight

overseeing of medical device manufacturing standards, recalls, and sterilization equipment and chemical sterilants.

OSHA Enforcement

enforces workplace safety regulations, including those related to bloodborne pathogens and chemical exposure limits.

AAMI

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, a non-profit organization founded in 1967 that sets national and international safety standards for medical devices and healthcare technology.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Provide essential information about hazards and safe handling for chemicals, including Health (blue), Flammability (red), Reactivity (yellow), and Special Hazards (white).

Electrical Fires

Fires that involve electrical equipment or wiring; safety protocols must be followed to ensure safe response.

RACE

A mnemonic used to help employees remember what to do in case of fire: R-Remove/Rescue, A-Alarm, C-Contain, E-Extinguish.

Negative Pressure in Decon Areas

(vacuum) in decontamination areas keeps contaminants (bioburden) inside the room, preventing leakage into hallways or clean assembly areas.

Airflow Exchanges

A minimum of 10 air exchanges per hour is required in both decon and clean areas to ensure proper ventilation and contaminant control.

Positive Air Pressure in Clean Areas

(fan) in clean areas aims to keep contaminants out, ensuring that when a door is opened, clean air pushes away any incoming dust or microbes.