Sterile Processing Tech - Clear Lake

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Webster, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Sterile Processing Tech prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment according to established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing. The role supports instrumentation decontamination, assembly, sterilization, case cart preparation, and supply distribution while following department procedures and applicable safety standards. The technician decontaminates instruments and equipment, records sterilizer and biological testing results, uses cleaning agents according to their directions and safety data sheets, and follows manufacturer guidance for loaner instruments. The technician inspects, assembles, wraps, and sterilizes instruments and trays; monitors sterilization parameters; prepares and distributes case carts and supplies; and communicates with customers, peers, visitors, and supervisors. Additional duties include sanitizing the workstation at the end of each shift, using the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system, troubleshooting equipment issues, and adhering to internal controls and reporting structure.

Requirements

Six months of related experience is preferred.
Follow established tray listings, department policies and procedures, industry and hospital standards, and Universal Precautions.
Use appropriate protective attire in the decontamination area.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Decontaminate surgical instruments and medical equipment while maintaining continuous workflow through the process.
Record biological testing, immediate-use sterilization load results, and other data from all sterilizers daily.
Use appropriate cleaning detergents and agents according to directions and safety data sheets.
Request manufacturer guidelines for proper decontamination of loaner instruments.
Follow industry and hospital standards for transporting contaminated instruments and equipment.
Wear appropriate protective attire and follow Universal Precautions in the decontamination area.
Inspect instruments for cleanliness, function, and breakage before assembly.
Assemble surgical trays and equipment according to established tray listings.
Wrap or pouch items according to instrument or equipment size and type.
Interact with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.
Maintain accurate instrument counts for surgical sets and report discrepancies to the supervisor.
Communicate instrument preparation issues to the Sterile Processing Supervisor or Manager.
Sterilize instruments and surgical trays according to prescribed policies and procedures.
Use internal, external, and biological monitoring systems to challenge the sterilization process.
Monitor, read, document, and interpret sterilizer parameters to ensure proper function and patient safety.
Pick surgical case carts according to Surgeon Preference Cards or procedural pick lists/requisitions.
Assemble and distribute case carts according to department policy.
Prepare surgical emergency case carts for emergent procedures.
Distribute sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition.
Order and put away supplies and linens upon request.
Sanitize the workstation at the end of each shift.
Use the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system according to department protocol.
Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues associated with instruments or equipment.
Adhere to internal controls and reporting structure.