Sterile Processing Tech

Trinity Health•Livonia, MI

About The Position

The Sterile Instrument Technician provides care to patients undergoing procedural intervention in compliance with the policies and procedures of Surgical Services and applicable AORN, The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AAMI standards. The role requires working knowledge of decontamination, instrumentation, sterilization, and case-cart preparation, and responsibility for processing sterilized products throughout the hospital. The technician provides technical assistance for procedures across hospital departments under the supervision of the SPD Manager. The position performs decontamination and instrument-processing tasks, including receiving soiled carts and instruments, using instrument-tracking and washing systems, inspecting and assembling instruments, and coordinating repairs. It also performs sterilizer checks and monitoring, maintains records, handles sterilized items, and prepares case carts according to schedules and physician preference cards. The technician communicates with the OR and other team members, supports accurate inventory and case preparation, decontaminates equipment as needed, and maintains a positive, respectful demeanor.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions.
Basic working knowledge of computers and ability to operate computerized equipment.
Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, basic asepsis, sterile equipment and supplies, sterilization and decontamination procedures, SPD equipment and supplies, and case carts.
Computer knowledge sufficient to effectively use hospital systems.
Familiarity with hospital departments and general hospital regulations.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Sterile Processing Technician; certification is preferred within two years of employment.
Two years of previous Central Processing or Operating Room experience.

Responsibilities

Receive soiled case carts and instruments in the decontamination area and scan instrument sets into the tracking system.
Prioritize instruments requiring turnaround; hand-wash and presoak instruments in enzymatic solution; operate ultrasonic and automated washers; select appropriate racks and cycles; wash carts; and maintain washer solutions.
Coordinate with OR suites and SPD regarding changes and needs for upcoming cases; transport sterile items to OR suites; check case carts; and return unused items to sterile processing.
Perform daily sterilizer tests and biological monitoring, maintain records, and document flash sterilization.
Communicate with the OR, management, physicians, peers, and interdisciplinary teams to provide appropriate instrumentation for procedures.
Handle, assemble, inspect, and organize instruments and sets by priority; update needs lists; identify damaged instruments and arrange or communicate repairs; and replace damaged instruments.
Check case carts for accuracy, wrap instruments and sets in suitable wrappers or containers, and prepare carts according to physician or surgeon preference cards.
Perform routine sterilizer checks and maintenance, including inspecting drain baskets and door gaskets, checking steam pressure, and conducting and recording Bowie-Dick air-leak tests.
Prepare biological indicator test packs, initiate and record biological monitoring, report problems, and initiate recall procedures when necessary.
Label and load items for sterilization, arrange loads for proper steam penetration and liquid elimination, monitor cycles, review and initial cycle records, cool loads, and transfer sterilized items to their designated locations using the Impress system.
Use EPIC to access pick lists and schedules; assemble instrument trays for services and procedures; maintain preference cards, making adjustments the same day as changes; indicate missing items; prepare needs lists for the next day's cases; and replace emergency carts promptly.
Decontaminate equipment as needed and maintain a positive, friendly, and respectful demeanor toward people encountered through the Sterile Processing Department.