Sterile Processing Chapter One

Sterile Processing Technical Manual Edition 9

Minimally invasive surgery

Performed in a manner that causes little to no trauma

Sterile Processing Workflow

Soiled Area → Clean Processing Area → Sterile Storage Area

Decontamination

The process of cleaning and sanitizing instruments to remove contaminants, including blood and other bodily fluids, ensuring they are safe for further processing.

Cleaning

The process of removing dirt, debris, and contaminants from instruments and surfaces to make them safe for use.

Personal Protective Equipment

Specialized clothing and gear worn to protect the wearer from exposure to hazards such as infectious materials during the sterile processing of medical instruments.

Sterilization

The process of destroying all microbial life ensures that instruments and equipment are free from any viable microorganisms.

Instructions for use

Detailed guidelines provided by manufacturers outlining the proper methods for cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining medical instruments.

Case Cart System

A method used to organize and transport surgical instruments and supplies to ensure efficiency and sterility during procedures.

Case Cart

A method of organizing and transporting surgical instruments and supplies to the operating room to ensure everything needed for a procedure is readily available.

Preference Card

A detailed list of surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment specific to a surgeon's preferences for a particular procedure.

Pick List

A document that outlines the surgical instruments and supplies that need to be gathered and prepared for a specific procedure, ensuring all necessary items are included.

Supply Chain Management

The process of overseeing and managing the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to end-users, ensuring efficient procurement, inventory control, and distribution in healthcare settings.

Loaned Instruments

Instruments borrowed from another facility or supplier for a specific surgical procedure, often used when specific instruments are not available in-house.

The Processing Cycle

Pull Cart timing

To be pulled day or evening before the surgery.

Sinks

1st: Initial Cleaning
2nd: First rinse

3rd: Final rinse

Healthcare-associated infections

Infection beginning 3 days after hospitalization