Sterile Processing Tech

About the Role

A Sterile Processing Technician (SPD Tech) plays a critical role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This position involves handling soiled and contaminated items and requires strong attention to detail. The role is tactical and operates behind the scenes without patient interaction. Previous SPD or healthcare experience is preferred, but certification is not required.

Responsibilities

• Receives soiled and contaminated items in the decontamination area.
• Sorts equipment, rinses as needed, places equipment through sonic tanks and washers, reassembles trays, performs safety checks, hangs and sorts instruments, wraps sets according to policy, and wraps towels and basins appropriately.
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment using aerators, gas sterilizers, or steam sterilizers, and operates glass dryers.
• Packages items in steri/peel as required.
• Performs quality assurance testing for all methods of sterilization to ensure sterility of supplies.
• Hand cleans miscellaneous instruments (e.g., Baxter pump, hypothermo units) and operates the cart cleaner.
• Ensures proper care and handling of high-cost instrumentation and equipment, including items requiring special handling (e.g., laser instrumentation, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation).
• May build case carts according to procedure and physician preference.
• Files case cart sheets and requisitions, responds to Code 4s with defibrillator and backup supplies, maintains CPR annies, tests autoclaves, and changes graphs as necessary.
• Checks incoming trays and follows up with departments regarding missing instruments or parts.
• Takes immediate and appropriate action if a question of sterilizer failure occurs.
• Receives and records orders for supplies, ensuring accurate product numbers and proper billing forms.
• Marks, dates, and stocks equipment, including returning items to appropriate departments in a timely manner.
• Opens and unpacks supply boxes, checks for damaged goods, and reports discrepancies to the supervisor.
• Performs credits for unused products returned, checks stock levels, copies supply sheets, checks carts for outdated supplies, and performs general cleaning of shelves.
• May perform patient positioning and transporting duties, requiring lifting, pushing, and pulling while utilizing proper technique.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• No prior experience required, though previous SPD or healthcare experience is preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to function in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
• Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders at various times throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
  • Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
  • Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
  • Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
  • Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
  • Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Work environment may contain fumes and dust.
• Exposure to chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids; protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.