A sterile processing technician is a medical specialist who is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and installing all laboratory or healthcare equipment needed for procedures.

Job Description

A sterile processing technician is needed to join our team and oversee the sterilization and cleaning of medical equipment, instruments, or supplies in a sterile processing environment. The responsibilities of a sterile processing technician include recovering contaminated supplies from medical facilities, keeping a sterile equipment inventory, and arranging sterile equipment on instrument trays for surgeons and other medical personnel. Finally, you will work with a small team to guarantee that all surgical and medical equipment in our hospitals is sterile and safe for patient usage.

The following are the responsibilities of a sterile processing technician:

  • Collecting polluted and used equipment, instruments, and supplies for sorting and disinfection
  • Cleaning contaminated supplies, eliminating waste, and running and maintaining decontamination equipment
  • Preparing and packing decontaminated sterilization supplies

Principal Responsibilities

  • Sterilization equipment must be monitored and operated.
  • Examine materials thoroughly to verify they have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
  • Test the sterilization equipment and report any faults or problems.
  • Clean, sterilize, package, and organize medical equipment into instrument trays for use during procedures.
  • Prepare and provide the essential surgical, examination, medical procedure, and medical cart equipment and tools.
  • Keep track of sterilization methods, sterilized goods, equipment upkeep, and supplies.

Qualifications and Abilities

  • Work experience as a sterile processing technician or a related function is required.
  • Strong attention to detail, attentiveness, and precise care on the job. A strong desire to keep others safe, good judgment, and critical-thinking abilities.
  • Manual dexterity and the ability to work with delicate equipment are required.
  • Technical abilities and expertise with sterilizing processes are required.
  • The ability to operate successfully in a team or on one’s own.
  • Relevant sterile processing technician training and/or certifications.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the role of a sterile processing technician?

A sterile processing technician verifies that all surgical equipment have been sterilized and are fit for use in surgeries and other medical procedures.

What does a sterile processing technician do?

Throughout the day, a sterile processing technician will be responsible for gathering and processing discarded instruments, sterilizing equipment with various chemicals for future use, and ensuring the organization has an adequate inventory of instruments as needed.

What qualities distinguish an excellent sterile processing technician?

Because they are responsible for the sterilization of tools across departments, a skilled sterile processing technician must have strong organizational abilities. They must also have strong communication skills in order to keep surgeons and other medical experts updated throughout the day.

With whom does a sterile processing technician collaborate?

When sterilizing equipment, a sterile processing technician normally works alone, however, they may collaborate with surgical technicians to ensure instruments are correctly arranged in operating rooms for impending surgeries.