Sterile Processing Technician

Performs a variety of instrumentation decontamination, sterilization, packaging, inventory, and distribution tasks according to established department policies and procedures.

• Dissembles, cleans, sterilizes, reassembles and packages sterile supplies according to specifications and/or manufacturer instructions; follows department procedures to use appropriate sterilization method for various types of instrumentation.
• Operates washers, sterilizers, ultrasonic machines, steam and ethylene oxide sterilizers, heat sealers, and additional equipment during sterilization procedures; adheres to instrument count sheets for surgical sets and case carts.
• Covers and rotates trays and sets per sterile storage guidelines; follows safety protocols to ensure no injury to self/others (proper body mechanics, protective apparel during decontamination procedures, etc.).
• Retrieves used trays, instruments and equipment from various surgical and clinical hospital areas for decontamination; examines instruments and patient care equipment for cleanliness, proper assembly and functionality.
• Examines instruments and patient care equipment for cleanliness, proper assembly and functionality.
• Identifies malfunctioning items, records related information, and promptly notifies supervisor or biomedical engineer; receives and fills requisitions from hospital departments and nursing units; communicates with perioperative staff regarding related instrument needs.
• Transports sterile supplies to assigned surgical and clinical locations.
• Assists in ordering, stocking and maintaining department inventory levels; performs required duties to maintain a contaminant-free work environment.
• Documents and maintains records of daily activities according to department policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as required. All responsibilities noted here are considered essential functions of the job under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

not mentioned here, but considered related are not essential functions.