Central Sterile Technician

JOB SUMMARY : Responsible for processing and sterilizing instruments and equipment. Practices excellent infection control standards while taking ownership of the Central Sterile Room.

Assists with infection control audits, data tracking, and other processes as needed.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Decontaminates and processes instruments, including compiling instrument sets, counting instruments, and recording counts.

Sterilizes instruments, trays, basins, etc. with the appropriate exposure / dry times. Prepares instruments for immediate use sterilization when necessary.

Maintains a clean and orderly environment in the department by daily wiping of counters, sinks, exterior surface of autoclaves and high disinfection equipment.

Cleans the autoclave chambers on a weekly basis. Assists Procedure Room Housekeeping with room turnover, terminal cleaning of Procedure Room suites, and daily duties, if necessary.

Assists with picking supplies / instruments for upcoming cases.

Performs daily diagnostic testing on sterilizing equipment, including test packs, and biological indicators. Evaluates instruments for function and safety when reprocessing.

Provides reprocessing services for instruments utilized across various clinical departments, ensuring compliance with sterilization protocols and standards.

Identifies and evaluates loaner instruments prior to processing. Records loaner information in a log for tracking. Maintains Biological Incubator and log;

evaluates biological test results.

Provides technical services and assists in procedure room, recovery, outpatient, and central sterile as assigned and directed.

Works under the direct supervision of the Sterile Processing Manager or assigned designee.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS : Subject to overtime and call back as required by the institution.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY : N / A

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE and REGISTRATION :

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate’s, Technical Degree, or equivalent combination of education / related experience. Preferred.
• Sterile Processing Technician certification. Preferred.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES :

• Basic knowledge of medical equipment, process, and infection control measures.
• Experience with following detailed instructions and data entry.
• Ability to organize and create efficient workflows to ensure timely processing of instruments.
• Ability to work as a team with multiple departments.

REASONING ABILITY :

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS :

• Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.
• Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls;

and reach with hands and arms.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee frequently performs moderate lifting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The work environment involves potential exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals and other hazardous materials, radiation, and repetitive motions while performing the essential functions of this job.

Team members are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.

COMMENTS :

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of the job.

It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position . The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee to maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.