This deprioritization can lead to hazardous results when improperly cleaned MPEs become vehicles for microbial transmission to other patients . SP techs should take care to adequately clean MPEs and allow the appropriate contact time for disinfection . As always , follow the steps outlined in the IFU for proper cleaning , visual inspections , disinfectant solutions , and contact times .
• Inspection . Careful visual inspection is the best process SP techs have to determine the status of bioburden on an instrument . The SPD must be equipped with inspection tools like sufficient light at the cleaning sink to be able to clearly see bioburden , magnifying glasses for those elements that may go undetected by the naked eye , and residual-soil detection testing devices that alert the technician that the device is ready to move to the next step in the cleaning process . It is up to SPD leadership to provide the necessary tools for success .
• Sterilization of products . Implement controls that can facilitate precision and consistency in the sterilization process and consider the many factors that can influence the outcome . The following are just a few of the factors to consider : Is the instrument clean ? Are there too many instruments in the set ? Was the packaging material compromised ? Did we check the package for holes before releasing it ? Were there too many items in the load that caused wet packs ? Was the appropriate cycle and process selected ? Was the equipment working according to the manufacturer specifications ? Did engineering provide good quality steam ? Were the steam and water quality tested ? Did the cycle complete ? Was the equipment efficacy test negative ? While we cannot guarantee sterility , we can ensure that parameters and equipment testing that contribute to a successful sterilization cycle and adherence to organizational protocol are met before we release a package .
• Process-quality audits . Set process improvement goals and implement a consistent audit process to confirm adherence to sterilization standards . Gather the data , analyze it , share it with you customers , and collaborate with infection control prevention programs on performance improvement initiatives . Share outcomes with your team and celebrate achievements .
• Handwashing . In 1847 , a medical doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis discovered that the spread of infections
could be stopped if healthcare workers performed basic hygiene practices . He implemented a hand disinfection protocol in his Vienna hospital and immediately reduced the rate of infections and deaths . How microorganisms spread has not changed all that much , and this 19 th century discovery is still one of the most successful ( not to mention uncomplicated ) ways of stopping the spread of infection . Despite its power , however , statistics show that hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers is 40 percent . To fight AMR , SPD professionals must adhere to proper hand hygiene recommendations as a routine practice and especially after removing personal protective equipment ( PPE ).
● Environment and sanitation . Partner with the infection control practitioner and the environmental service department at your healthcare facility to establish a cleaning schedule to reduce the risk of bacterial growth in the Sterile Processing department and enlist every member of your team in maintaining a clean and safe workspace . Perform terminal cleaning each day the area is used , and clean and sanitize all clean work areas before cleaning the decontamination area . Damp-dust all surfaces on a regular basis and disinfect all high-touch areas daily . Disinfect workstations , carts , and equipment in the decontamination area daily or when they become visibly soiled and disinfect sinks after manually cleaning contaminated instruments . Research
The sterile processing technician plays an integral role in a healthcare facility ’ s infectionprevention program .”
the ever-improving new technology and devices that are available for cleaning and disinfecting . For example , UV disinfecting light is effective in destroying bacteria , spores , and viruses in a short period and can reach areas that may be missed when using a wipe-down method . Many hospitals own a UV disinfecting light device , but the SPD department is not included in the routine environment disinfecting schedule . It is up to the SPD leader to engage the help of the infection control practitioner to ensure UV disinfection is performed in SPD on a regular basis .
The sterile processing technician plays an integral role in a healthcare facility ’ s infection prevention program . Understanding the process , the implements necessary to accomplish the tasks , adhering to IFUs , staying abreast of industry changes , and maintaining consistency in the process is the greatest commitment a technician may have in joining the fight against AMR . Let ’ s make the commitment today .
Mary Olivera , MHA , CRCST , CHL , FCS , has actively participated in the monitoring , surveying and training interdepartmental staff in the proper cleaning , decontamination and sterilization practices and has been highly committed to the standardization of interdepartmental processes . Currently , she is the president and CEO for OSPECS Consulting , LLC . a company dedicated to facilitating process re-engineering in healthcare organizations .