Sterile Processing
The Infection Control Today® sterile processing page provides an inside look into the sterile processing (or central supply) department in the hospital where surgical instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and reprocessed in order to disinfect, remove bioburden, and prep for upcoming procedures. Sterile processing applies to not only the knives, scalpels, scissors, forceps, and clamps used in surgery, but also instruments such as endoscopes and duodenoscopes. ICT® reports on the latest technology but also on the means to disinfect that technology. Also, the trend toward making more disposable surgical equipment. What does that mean for the sterile processing team?
Latest News
May 29th 2025
As measles cases climb across the US, discredited myths continue to undercut public trust in vaccines. In an exclusive interview with Infection Control Today, Michigan Medicine’s Marschall Runge, PhD, confronts misinformation head-on and explores how clinicians can counter it with science, empathy, and community engagement.
More News
Who Owns the Patient Outcome? We All Do!
June 18th 2012In today's ever-changing healthcare environment, patients demand more advanced procedures and equipment that take the pain and recovery time out of surgery. While they seek these advancements, they have forget how complicated it is to clean, inspect and test this advanced equipment. However, navigating a path through our consumer marketplace, we cannot go for a drive without seeing billboards advertising the latest and greatest robotic 3D surgery. The consumer demand for more advanced surgery has transitioned into an expectation.
Dissecting the Dirty Instruments Issue in Healthcare Facilities
May 21st 2012The recent attention to dirty instruments is interesting, as this is not a new issue. For years, sterile processing professionals have been dealing with issues surrounding reprocessing of reusable medical devices and surgical instrumentation. One of the major reasons certification programs were developed for sterile processing personnel was to be able to verify competencies for personnel performing the critical functions of cleaning, high-level disinfection and sterilization.
Sterile Processing Certification, Does It Have Value?
May 21st 2012People across the United States now know that hair dressers need some form of certification to do their jobs but if you are cleaning surgical instruments for surgery, unless you live in New Jersey, you are not required by law to have some basic knowledge to do the task at hand -- cleaning and sterilizing medical devices in a medical facility.
Practical Insights on Endoscope Reprocessing
May 18th 2012In recent years, there has been an increased discussion in the healthcare arena concerning the proper, consistent cleaning and reprocessing of endoscopes. Healthcare facilities failure to protect patients from the risk of exposure to disease has made headlines. Reacting to those headlines, accreditation agencies and health departments are increasing their surveillance of practices of scope reprocessing.
