CENTRAL SERVICES TECHNICIANS

About the role

The Central Sterile Technician is responsible for the centralized cleaning, decontamination, storage, processing, assembling, issuance, and preparation of medical/surgical supplies and equipment. The technician performs tasks quickly and efficiently, paying close attention to detail and understanding the principles involved in each task. The role also involves maintaining infection control standards for the health and safety of hospital patients, medical staff, and personnel.

Responsibilities

• Decontamination Practices
  • Cleans all reusable patient care items returned from nursing and special care units according to Central Service procedure manual.
  • Inspects all reusable items for damage and/or missing parts.
  • Operates and understands the mechanical functioning of ultrasonic washer/dryer, cart washer, and washer/decontaminator.
• Preparation and Sterilization Practices
  • Follows prescribed procedures in preparation and assembly of reusable sets of instruments and equipment used in patient care units, surgical services, radiology, emergency room, etc.
  • Exercises attention to detail in organizing tray material and setup, protecting all equipment.
  • Identifies unassembled surgical components of each instrument tray, inspecting each instrument for defects and cleanliness.
  • Reassembles non-standard trays with proficiency.
  • Assembles surgical instrument trays accurately using an instrument tracking system.
  • Maintains accurate records of all instruments and equipment processed through sterilizers.
  • Loads steam/gas sterilizer carriage according to AAMI standards.
  • Conducts safety checks on high and low-temperature sterilization.
  • Cleans all sterilizers, carts, and carriages following prescribed procedures.
• Distribution and Storage
  • Maintains Central Service inventory of sterile items on shelves and checks outdates weekly.
  • Fills surgical case cart requisitions for each surgical procedure in the Operating Room with speed and accuracy, and transports filled carts to the OR.
  • Assists in ordering and inventory control of supplies using the Parex system.
  • Uncases and puts away supplies.
• Quality Assurance/Quality Indicators and Testing Practices
  • Assists in data collection for quality assurance.
  • Understands parameters of high and low-temperature sterilization, aeration, chemical indicators, expiration dating, Bowie Dick Tests, cultures, and decontamination equipment testing (Tosi, sono check, cart wash check), and ATP testing on instruments.
  • Performs chemical and biological testing following quality assurance guidelines.
  • Reports problems to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience: Central Service or Operating Room experience preferred.
• Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
• Licenses/Certifications: Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) required.