Central Sterile Processing Technician

Competency-based

ONET: 31-9093.00

1

Years

175

Skills

565h

Related instructions

Classroom instruction topics

Sterile Instrument Processing
Sterile Instrument Lab
Sterile Processing Internship
Seminar: Sterile Processing

On-the-job training

Environmental Safety and Regulatory Competencies
- Knows directional air flow and air exchange requirements for each area of SPD, and how this is documented.
- Knows temperature and humidity requirements for each area of SPD, and how this is documented.
- Understands traffic flow requirements in all areas of SPD and OR.
- Follows the department dress code requirements in SPD and OR.
- Knows semi-restricted and restricted areas, and what the "red line" means.
- Knows the department process to keep floors, surfaces , and equipment clean, and trash emptied.
- Uses standard precautions, especially in the decontamination area.
- Knows definition of hazardous waste and how to handle/dispose of it.
- Knows what to do in the case of a blood borne pathogen exposure.
- Knows how to handle chemical spills, and the location of the nearest spill kit.
- Knows how and when to use the eye wash, and shower (if available).
- Knows how to test the eye wash and shower, and document correctly, according to department process.
- Able to access the SDS (formerly MSDS) for department chemicals.
- Knows how and when to complete an injury report.
- Knows how to access and respond to emergency codes.
- Knows location of fire extinguishers, alarms, exits, RACE, and PASS.
- Knows the hazards of each type of sterilizer and biological, and uses them safely.
- Knows how and when to use hand washing and hand sanitizer.
- Knows what the following organization are and do: AAMI, IAHCSMM, AORN, CDC, FDA, CMS, OSHA, and TJC.
- Understands HIPPA and how it affects their work and communication.
- Knows what the Spaulding Classification is, and how it affects sterile processing.
- Can describe "point of use cleaning" and the importance of reporting its absence.
- Can describe the difference between verification and validation.
Assembly and Packaging Competency
- All horizontal surfaces are cleaned prior to beginning work, using the approved disinfectant.
- Places new lint-free towel or cloth on work surface prior to assembly of instrumentation.
- Stocks work station with needed supplies (indicators, tray locks, alcohol wipes, adhesive remover, tip protectors, load cards, therabands, etc).
- Selects trays and items to be assembled according to the department process.
- Ensures the tray or item is dry with lint free cloth, air, or drying cabinet.
- Uses the electronic tracking system, or other reference, to identify specific instruments and sets, and track instruments through the assembly process.
- Uses the count sheet to assemble trays with correct items and quantity of each item.
- Recognizes instrument categories (clamps, scissors, forceps, etc).
- Inspects all instruments for cleanliness during the assembly process.
- Leaves all hinged instruments in the open position.
- Disassembles instruments prior to sterilization according to the department protocol.
- Verbalizes correct procedure for sending dirty instruments in assembly, back through decontamination.
- Verbalizes correct procedure for cleaning instruments in assembly.
- Understands and correctly uses methods for ensuring functionality of instrumentation, including: A. Tests sharpness using therabands, rubberbands, and card stock
- B. Uses magnification for cracks and cleanliness
- C. Tests box locks for hold
- D. Tests instrument tip jaw capability
- E. Tests alignment.
- F. Tests light cords, scopes, and cameras for functionality.
- Knows and uses the department repair process.
- Knows and uses the department process for replacing missing instruments and notifying the lead/supervisor.
- Uses count sheet for ensuring tray is complete when assembled, or missing items are noted.
- Verbalizes procedure for replacing or repairing defective instrumentation.
- Demonstrates proper method for lubricating power equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).
- Demonstrates proper procedure for recharging reusable batteries.
- Verbalizes factors which contribute to aborted loads, steam or low temp.
- Uses insulation leak tester on all insulated instrumentation, each time assembled.
- Uses protectors, containers, and isolation bags for delicate, sharp, or small items.
- Demonstrates safe placement of instruments in the tray : heavy, stringer, and delicate.
- Uses appropriate packaging for sterilizer type.
- Chooses appropriate size packaging ( wrap, peel pack, basket, or container system) for trays and other items.
- Selects correct chemical indicator (CI) for sterilization method.
- Places the CIs in challenging locations, every level, opposite corners, with visibility when package is opened.
- Uses proper wrapping technique, mitering corners, and adding underneath towels and/or corner protectors for heavy trays. Creates folds for easy opening and uses appropriate tape for sterilization method.
- Uses peel pack sealer with proper temperature and technique.
- Inserts appropriate filters and locks on rigid containers using correct procedure.
- Labels all packages (with electronic label if available) including the following: A. Name of item
- B. Name of the department the item is stored in
- C. Initials of person assembling the tray or item
- D. Date assembled
- E. List of items missing from the tray
- F. Count sheet for steam sterilization only, if required by department protocol
- Places completed packages in appropriate location to be sterilized, following the department process.
- Empties trash if full and cleans floor at work station if debris or dust are visible.
Flex Semiregid Endoscope Competencies
- Correctly dons fresh PPE for each scope.
- Uses department process for tracking instruments through decontamination area, preferably electronic.
- Accesses and uses manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) to process scopes.
- Sinks are disinfected, and fresh water and detergent are used for each scope.
- Sink for leak test is filled with water (no detergent) enough to submerge the scope.
- Sink for washing is filled with water, and detergent according to the scope and detergent manufacturer's IFUs for type and temperature.
- Removable parts are removed and kept with the scope.
- Disposable parts are disposed of.
- A leak tester validated by the scope manufacturer, is attached.
- Pressurizes the leak tester to the appropriate level, confirming expansion of the rubber at the bending section of the scope.
- Submerges the scope completely under water.
- Gently rotates each knob of the scope, and looks for bubbles at the bending section and knobs.
- Maintains the leak test and inspection for a minimum of 30 seconds, or according to the scope IFU.
- Able to identify if the scope has a leak, or not.
- If a leak is identified, maintains the leak tester pressure, and the IFU is followed for the processing of a leaking scope.
- If a leak is not identified, removes the scope from the water entirely, before releasing the leak tester pressure.
- Removes the leak tester from the scope, listening for air release.
- Knows what "delayed processing" means and how to perform the process according to the scope IFU.
- If no delayed processing is required, submerges scope in detergent soak solution for the length of time according to the detergent and scope IFU.
- Cleans exterior surface with a single use, lint free cloth or sponge.
- Uses new brushes for each scope.
- Cleans openings, crevices, channels, and accessories with a brush matching the scope IFU.
- Uses cleaning adapters or syringes for flushing, according to the scope IFU.
- Brushes all channels at least 3 times, or until there is no debris noted on the brush.
- Cleans the brush at the distal end each time before drawing it back through the scope.
- Rinses all channels, surfaces, and accessories according to the IFU.
- Purges all channels with air.
- Places the scope in a designated clean area, and changes to clean gloves.
- Dries the exterior with a lint free cloth, and inspects the scope under lighted magnification for cleanliness, especially the distal tip. Passes the scope to the assembly area if clean.
- Drains sinks, followed by cleaning and disinfection.
- Removes PPE appropriately , and performs hand washing.
- Documents the date and time processed, scope model and serial number, patient it was used on, if point of use cleaning was done, results of the leak test, and results of quality testing, according to the department process.
- Uses the IFU to determine sterilization, or high level disinfection type.
- If the scope is validated for sterilization, flushes the scope with air, alcohol, then air again, or according to the IFU.
- Dries the scope thoroughly externally, with a lint free cloth, air, or drying cabinet. Uses compressed air only if the IFU allows.
- Uses appropriate packaging, and sterilization type according to the IFU.
- If the scope is not validated for sterilization, uses high level disinfection and an automated endoscope reprocessor, according to the IFU.
Cleaning and Decontamination Competencies
- Correctly dons PPE.
- Uses proper process for tracking instruments through decontamination, including loaners with electronic receiving.
- Demonstrate how to access and implement manufacturer's instruction for use (IFU) to perform cleaning.
- Knows how to properly use eye wash and/or shower.
- Uses department process to verify detergent is being dispensed to washers and sinks.
- Performs testing, cleaning, and maintenance on all equipment in the decontam area at the appropriate intervals, according to the IFU.
- Demonstrate filling decontam sinks with the proper amount and type of detergent, water (tap/RO/DI), and monitoring of temperature.
- Unloads surgical case carts and clinic instruments, with inspection for sharps, and removal of disposables.
- Disassembles, rinses, and pre-soaks instruments, before washing, in correct solution and sequence. Knows additional steps for instruments with lumens.
- Knows procedure and reasons for manual instrument washing with lint free cloth, correct brush selection, and brush care according to IFU.
- Knows when and how to use the sonic cleaner with and without flushing devices, and what rinsing is needed, based on facility specific equipment.
- Knows what degassing is, if and how to perform it for specific facility equipment.
- Properly loads and operates all washers (cart, instrument, sonic).
- Can discuss and use different wash cycles appropriately for all washers.
- Changes wash and rinse solutions, decontaminates sinks, and changes PPE at proper times.
- Knows how to clean delicate instruments and hand wash items that do not use the automatic washer. Maintains "clean area" for passing those to assembly.
- Handles and cleans lenses, scopes, cameras, and power equipment, according to IFU and department policy.
- Knows procedure for instrument turn over, without skipping steps.
- Properly processes laparascopic instrumentation.
- Knows proper processing of opthalmic instrumentation.
- Properly processes robotic instrumentation.
- Demonstrate proper brush care, sink disinfection, and clean-up when leaving the decontam area.
- Removes PPE with proper sequence and disposal (without contaminating self), and uses proper hand hygiene when leaving the decontamination area.
Sterile Storage Competencies
- Knows how close to walls, ceiling, and floors, sterile items may be stored.
- Knows how to arrange sterile items on a shelving rack.
- Knows how to store peel packs properly.
- Allows only appropriate personnel in the restricted areas.
- Takes care to place items in the appropriate location.
- Handles sterile packages appropriately to maintain sterility.
- Knows what renders a package unsterile.
- Transports sterile packages appropriately.
- Knows the shelf life policy for their facility.
- Knows which items have an expiration date.
Sterilzation Competencies
- Damp dusts all horizontal surfaces used in the sterilization work area before beginning work.
- Describes the purpose of the DART, how and when to perform the test, and can document the test electronically.
- Is able to perform the daily/weekly cleaning and maintenance steps for each sterilizer type, based on the IFU for that sterilizer, and document electronically.
- Demonstrates proper changing of the sterilizer printer paper.
- Verbalizes hazards and limitations of each method of sterilization available at the facility
- Understands the purpose of each biological indicator (BI) and test pack in the department, and when to use each one, including the control BI.
- Understands different sterilizer cycles and when to use them.
- Understands the load label information, knows how to use the dispenser, and places load labels correctly.
- Systematically builds the sterilizer load list, using the electronic system if available. Makes sure all items are included on the list with detailed item description.
- Properly loads the sterilizer rack with space between items and not touching sides of the sterilizer (allowing sterilant to circulate freely), peel packs on edge facing same direction, containers on bottom shelves, and checking for correct packaging.
- Demonstrates how and when to label, incubate, read, and record results of the control BI, match lot numbers to sterilizer load BI lot numbers, and when to initiate a new control.
- Operates the sterilizer with proper placement of the test pack or biological indicator, following the facility policy for frequency.
- When the load completes, removes sterilizer printout and verifies the parameters according to standards. Documents the parameters electronically if available. Notifies lead/supervisor immediately of any deviations.
- Removes the load from the sterilizer when completed, and places it in a restricted low traffic area while awaiting BI results, and cooling (if needed).
- Removes the test pack or BI, and correctly incubates, reads, and records results, electronically if available. Knows to immediately notify the lead/supervisor of all positive results.
- Describes the recall procedure, including when and how to implement it.
- Knows how to determine a steam sterilized tray/item temperature, and when it may be safely handled or stored.
- Properly unloads all sterilizers. Checking external process indicators.
- Checks for wet trays/items and discusses factors which contribute to wetness.
- Verbalizes factors which contribute to aborted loads, steam or low temp.
- Knows what "Early Release" means, can locate the form, and knows how to initiate the form.
- Completes documentation of the sterilizer load, electronically if available. Places paper documentation in appropriate envelope and location according to department process.
- Delivers sterilized items to the proper storage location.
- Knows department routine cleaning protocol of sterilizers, racks and ancillary carts.
General Orientation Competencies
- Knows how to access My Virtual Workplace.
- Knows how to use Kronos timekeeping for clock in/out, on call clocking, and pay period time card approval.
- Knows how to access and find policies for dress code, surgical attire, and attendance.
- Can access and use the performance development system.
- Knows job and certification requirements, and self monitors expiration date(s).
- Knows and demonstrates Centura Core Values in all interactions and performance.
- Demonstrates ability to access and use the current instrument tracking system, in all areas of SPD.
- Demonstrates access and use of Surgio for receiving and documentation of loaner trays and instruments.
- Can access One Source, AAMI and AORN guidelines.
- Uses Ipad to document equipment testing, maintenance, and cleaning, consistently and at correct intervals.
- Demonstrates how to change labels, ink, and paper in department printers.
- Access and uses Surgio (when available) to complete assigned clinical training and competencies.

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Test Colorado Community College

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