Sterile Processing Technician: Terms

Sterile Processing Department

Designated department in the hospital that does all reprocessing and sterilization of instruments and equipment for safe patient care.

Medical terminology

A type of language specific to healthcare

Anatomy

The study of the human body

Physiology

The study of how the human body functions

Surgical services

Sterile processing, operating room, Pre-op, PACU

Three types of communication

Written, verbal, and physical

ENT

Ear, Nose, and Throat

OB-GYN

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ortho

Orthopedics

Ex lap

Exploratory laparotomy, a general surgery procedure

Colonoscopy

Viewing the inside of the colon with a flexible colonoscope for diagnostic purposes

Cath lab

Coronary Catheterization Lab

CRCST

Certified Registered Central Service Technician

CS

Central supply

Decon

Decontamination, a designated separate area inside SPD

ER

Emergency room

HSPA

Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (formerly IAHCSMM)

IAHCSMM

International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (pronounced ISHUM)

ICU

Intensive care unit

IFU

Instructions for use

IR

Interventional Radiology

MIS

Minimally invasive surgery

NICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PACU

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (the recovery room)

Pre-op

Pre-operation area

SPD

Sterile Processing Department