Sterile Processing Technician - Sterilization, University Hospital

USA Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Sterile Processing Technician works in sterilization at University Hospital, supporting the safe handling, decontamination, inspection, assembly, and sterilization of hospital supplies, equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets. The role uses established procedures and tracking software to document work, monitor sterilizer performance, and escalate missing items or positive test results. The position also requires adherence to hospital policies, infection-control and safety standards, regular attendance, and the ability to work the defined schedule and overtime as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the stated education requirement.
Ability to stand for long periods.
Ability to move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds and autoclave carts weighing up to 200 pounds using proper body mechanics.
Ability to work the defined schedule and overtime as required.

Responsibilities

Use approved personal protective equipment as appropriate.
Retrieve soiled supplies and equipment from hospital department holding areas according to schedule and as needed; sort, disassemble, select the correct decontamination process, and operate and maintain decontamination equipment.
Select and perform the appropriate manual or automatic high-level disinfection method for heat-sensitive instruments, equipment, and flexible endoscopes according to established procedures.
Document receipt and work promptly using tracking software, including instrument-tracking software.
Inspect and assemble equipment, instruments, scopes, and instrument sets according to product recipes; verify items are functional, free of debris, and complete as required.
Document missing items from instrument sets and escalate the set to a supervisor or designee for guidance.
Place the appropriate internal indicator as required.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Interpret package labeling and select the appropriate sterilization method and approved cycle, including steam or low-temperature methods as required.
Inspect packages to ensure external indicators, filters, and labels are securely affixed, and correct deficiencies before sterilization.
Load sterilizers appropriately to support cycle completion, including biological testing.
Perform routine sterilizer testing as appropriate, including biological monitoring, leak tests, and Bowie-Dick tests.
Interpret and document sterilizer test results using tracking software according to policy; escalate positive results for intervention as appropriate.
Remove and inspect items from sterilizers using approved methods that preserve package integrity.
Follow hospital and departmental policies and current infection-control and safety standards.
Use proper body mechanics when moving equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds and autoclave carts weighing up to 200 pounds.
Complete mandatory department, educational, and hospital requirements.
Maintain regular and prompt attendance; work the defined schedule and overtime as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned.