Behind the Scenes: Sterile Processing Department

Summary

The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at Mary Greeley Medical Center's sterile processing department, where surgical instruments are meticulously cleaned and sterilized. The process involves decontamination, ultrasonic cleaning, mechanical cleaning, and sterilization using methods like steam. Technicians inspect and assemble instruments into sets for various surgeries. Sterilization effectiveness is ensured with chemical and biological indicators, ensuring patient safety and optimal care.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The sterile processing department at Mary Greeley Medical Center is crucial for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments.
• 🧼 Instrument reprocessing starts with decontamination, which involves soaking and manually cleaning instruments to remove bioburden.
• 🪥 Various brushes, syringes, and automated irrigators are used to clean instruments thoroughly.
• 🌊 Ultrasonic cleaning is employed to remove biofilm that is not visible to the naked eye.
• 🔄 After ultrasonic cleaning, instruments are rinsed and proceed to mechanical cleaning in a washer disinfector.
• 🔧 Mechanical cleaning ensures any remaining contaminants are removed through high-pressure spraying and thermal disinfection.
• 🔍 Instruments are inspected and assembled into sets for specific surgical procedures.
• 🛠️ Sterile processing technicians must learn each instrument and its function to prepare sets accurately.
• 🗜️ Instruments are prepared for sterilization by being placed in mesh baskets and specialized containers.
• 🌡️ Sterilization is commonly done using steam, and other methods like vaporized hydrogen peroxide are also utilized.
• 🔑 Chemical and biological indicators are used to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.
• 🏢 Sterilized instruments are stored in a sterile storage area for upcoming surgeries and emergencies.
• 🛒 Once ready, instruments are assembled on a case cart for transport to the surgical theater.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the sterile processing department at Mary Greeley Medical Center?

The primary function of the sterile processing department is to clean and sterilize all surgical instrumentation for upcoming surgeries.

Why is the sterile processing department considered an important area in the medical center?

The sterile processing department is important because it ensures that all surgical instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized, which is crucial for patient safety during surgeries.

How does the decontamination process of surgical instruments begin?

The decontamination process begins by soaking and manually cleaning each instrument in a sink filled with a water and detergent mixture to remove bioburden.

What is bioburden and how is it removed from surgical instruments?

Bioburden refers to the biological material, such as blood and other materials, left from surgery. It is removed by soaking and manually cleaning the instruments with a water and detergent mixture, using brushes, syringes, and automated irrigators.

What is the purpose of ultrasonic cleaning in the sterilization process?

Ultrasonic cleaning is used to remove remaining biofilm that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It works by creating ultrasonic waves that implode on the instrument surface, removing the biofilm.

How does mechanical cleaning differ from ultrasonic cleaning?

Mechanical cleaning is performed in a washer disinsector, similar to a high-powered dishwasher, which uses detergents and high-pressure spraying water to clean the instruments. It differs from ultrasonic cleaning by physically removing contaminants rather than using sound waves.

What is the role of the washer disinsector in the decontamination process?

The washer disinsector plays a role in the final step of the decontamination process by providing mechanical cleaning and thermal disinfection to ensure that the instruments are completely clean and safe to handle.

What happens to the instruments after they are cleaned and disinfected?

After cleaning and disinfection, instruments are inspected and assembled into sets for specific surgical procedures, and then prepared for sterilization by placing them in mesh baskets and specialized containers.

How are surgical instruments sterilized and what methods are commonly used?

Surgical instruments are sterilized using methods such as steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and others. The most common method for frequently used instruments is steam sterilization.

What are chemical and biological indicators, and how do they ensure the effectiveness of the sterilization process?

Chemical indicators are used to confirm that instruments have gone through the sterilization process, while biological indicators verify that the process is effective enough to kill all germs. Both are placed inside and outside the sterilization containers to ensure the sterility of the instruments.

Where are the sterilized instruments stored, and how are they prepared for use in surgeries?

Sterilized instruments are stored in a sterile storage area until needed for the next surgical procedure. They are assembled on a case cart and sent out for surgery when required.