Sterile Processing & Surgical Technologist

Sterile Processing technicians perform and participate in decontamination, cleaning, assembling, packaging, scanning, sterilization, storage, and distribution of reusable surgical instrumentation and equipment. A sterile processing technician plays an important role in indirectly providing patient care. Sterile processing technicians carefully sterilize each medical instrument and piece of equipment to ensure the safety of patients and medical staff. They ensure strict adherence to sterilization processes and assure that instruments, equipment and supplies are safe for reuse across patients on a daily basis. They play an integral role in ensuring the success of surgeries. Sterile processing technicians usually work in clinics, hospitals, doctors' offices and other settings that use medical equipment. Instrumentation: Knowledge of surgical instruments and specialty devices Processing of Surgical Instrumentation: Decontamination, packaging, and sterilization of surgical instrumentation Processing of Moveable Patient Equipment: Processing, cleaning, testing, assembly, and distribution of movable patient care equipment Storage and Inventory: Storage, handling, and distribution of sterile surgical instrumentation and devices, as well as inventory control and cost recovery systems Medical Terminology: Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology Prevention Processes: Infection prevention, decontamination, and disinfection processes Under direct supervision, the surgical technicians are members of the operating room team which most commonly includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an operation, surgical technicians help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment, as well as adjust and check to ensure all equipment is working properly.