In medicine, surgeons and other health practitioners receive plenty of credit for medical procedures, while sterile processing technicians primarily go unnoticed. Here is an in-depth insight into sterile processing and its management.
What is Sterile Processing?
Sterile processing is a vital process that entails the cleaning, inspection, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and equipment used in a surgical procedure. Certified and trained sterile processing technicians conduct sterile processing by following laid-out standard operating procedures. The general decontamination process involves transporting equipment in closed bags tortes by fully gowned personnel. The equipment is sorted, soaked, washed, and inspected to ensure they are safe for use.
Equipment and Processes Applied
Technicians working in a sterile processing plant use decontaminators, tunnel washers, and ultrasonic equipment to dislodge and remove debris. The sterilization process uses several techniques, such as steam sterilization, that uses typical autoclaves to generate heat to kill microbes. Other sterilization methods include ozone, liquid chemical, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and ethylene oxide gas.
Qualities of an Effective Sterile Processing Manager
Research shows that some sterile processing departments fail to achieve objectives because of inefficient process structure, inadequate space, lack of technology, and poor training. A facility may solve these issues by hiring a leader that ensures the sterile product management is at par with the stipulated guidelines. The sterile processing manager should be an expert on sterilization instruments, have impeccable knowledge of regulatory standards and strategic foresight, and is comfortable with technology.
Sterile processing is critical in the patient care setting as it ensures that the surgeon works with equipment and medical devices that are sterile and safe. Having the right people experienced in sterile processing management would go a long way in achieving better patient care. Moab Healthcare is here to help you solve your sterile processing staffing problems by providing certified and experienced technicians. Click moabhealthcare.com for more information.