8 APRIL 2025IN MY OPINIONBy Lorraine Thornton, MBA/HCM, CSPDS, CFER, GTS, Director of Sterilization and Reprocessing, Kaiser Permanente The Constant Challenges of Sterile Processing Departments The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is responsible for reprocessing instruments for future use. SPD is a department that provides ancillary services to the surgical suites and other clinical departments, such as Labor and Delivery and the Emergency Department. SPD is not a revenue-generating department, so it often does not get the attention that it deserves. The qualifications for a processing technician position are: · High school diploma or equivalent · Current licensure as a Sterile Processing Technician (HSPA and CBSPD) · Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (optional) · Prior relevant experience in a healthcare environment · Ability to repeatedly lift up to 45 pounds Sterile processing technicians' work is very time intensive, demanding, and detailed focused. The sterile processing technicians are responsible for knowing hundreds, maybe thousands, of instruments and instrument sets, and they must have a good understanding of the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) for each instrument. The manufacturer's IFU outlines the step-by-step process of how to clean, disinfect, sterilize, and Lorraine Thornton
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