Sterile Processing Technician how-to
How to Decontaminate Surgical Instruments
Cleaning is the most important step. An item that isn’t clean can’t be sterilized.
Cleaning is the most important step. An item that isn’t clean can’t be sterilized. In short: put; open; pre-rinse, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Put on full PPE: gown, gloves, face shield or goggles and mask.
Open all hinged instruments and disassemble items according to the IFU.
Pre-rinse to remove gross soil, then soak in the correct detergent.
Brush lumens and hard-to-reach areas with the right size brushes.
Run items through the ultrasonic cleaner or washer-disinfector as directed.
Rinse, dry and send items to the clean side for inspection.
Safety reminders for sterile processing technicians
- Wear full PPE in decontamination
- Handle sharps and heavy trays carefully
- Protect yourself from steam burns when unloading sterilizers
- Follow chemical safety data sheets for detergents and sterilants
Key terms
Decontamination · Bioburden · Sterilization · Autoclave · IFU · Biological indicator (BI): see the full sterile processing technician glossary.