Job Summary

• The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for the centralized cleaning, decontamination, storage, processing, assembling, issuance and preparation of medical/surgical supplies and equipment. The technician must perform tasks quickly and efficiently, paying close attention to detail and understanding the principles involved in each task performed. The Technician also performs a variety of duties to maintain infection control standards for the health and safety of hospital patients, medical staff and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination Practices
  • Cleans all reusable patient care items returned from nursing and special care units according to Central Service procedure manual.
  • Inspects all reusable items for damage and/or missing parts.
  • Successfully operates and understands the mechanical functioning of ultrasonic washer/dryer, cart washer and washer/decontaminator.
• Preparation and Sterilizations Practices
  • Follows prescribed procedures in preparation and assembly of reusable sets of instruments and equipment used in patient care units, surgical services, radiology room, emergency room, etc.
  • Exercises particular attention to detail in organizing tray material and setup and consistently exercises care in protecting all equipment.
  • Identifies correctly the unassembled surgical components of each instrument tray, inspecting each instrument for possible defects and to ensure cleanliness. Pays particular attention to reassembly of non-standard trays and is extremely proficient in this area.
  • Assembles accurately each surgical instrument tray to correspond correctly with prescribed listing on each individual tray by using instrument tracking system.
  • Maintains accurate records of all instruments and equipment processed through the sterilizers.
  • Loads steam/gas sterilizer carriage according to AAMI standards.
  • Conducts safety checks on high and low temperature sterilization.
  • Cleans all sterilizers, carts and carriages following prescribed procedures.
• Distribution and Storage
  • Maintains Central Service inventory of sterile items on shelves. Checks outdates weekly.
  • Demonstrates both speed and accuracy in filling surgical case cart requisitions for each surgical procedure performed in the Operating Room and transports the filled carts to the OR.
  • Assists in the ordering and inventory control of supplies using the Parex system.
  • Uncases and puts away supplies.
• Quality Insurance/Quality Indicators and Testing Practices
  • Assists in data collection in cooperating with quality insurance.
  • Knows parameters of high and low temperature sterilization, aeration, chemical indicators, expiration dating, Bowie Dick Tests, cultures and decontamination equipment testing (Tosi, sono check and cart wash check) and ATP testing on instruments.
  • Performs chemical and biological testing following quality assurance guidelines.
  • Reports problems to appropriate supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• EXPERIENCE
  • Central Service or Operating Room experience preferred.
• EDUCATION
  • High school graduate or equivalent
• LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) required
• OTHER
  • Knowledge and understanding of basic principles of asepsis, simple chemistry, simple biology desirable. 
  • Good communication and organizational skills
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

• PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Medium Work (involves substantial physical activity and mobility; and lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.)
• OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Blood Bourne Exposure
  • Hearing
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Pushing/Pulling
  • Standing, climbing, mobility
  • Visual Acuity