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
April 27th 2025
Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
More News
Elevating Your SPD for the Sake of Your Patients
June 28th 2011If you are reading this, you value infection prevention and control. This article fits into that passion for one simple reason: sterile processing departments (SPDs) are pivotal to this value. The SPD critically serves surgical patients with instrument and other durable equipment for patients throughout the hospital.
Addressing OR Challenges Through Smart Instrument Purchasing
June 21st 2011Hospital operating rooms (ORs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) must confront more than their fair share of challenges in the current healthcare environment. Many facilities are working with limited capital and non-capital budgets; facilities have cut back on spending. Volumes of surgical procedures have been reduced as a notable percentage of people are unexpectedly without insurance due to job losses. Those patients are procrastinating on surgical procedures while they search for new employment.
The Complex and Indispensable Requirements for Instrument Reprocessing
May 23rd 2011One of the most common questions related to the sterile processing department (SPD) is this little gem, asked by surgeons, nurses and scrub techs: why does it take so long to get our sets up to the operating room (OR)? The demand for faster turn-around of surgical instruments is constantly hampered by a number of time-related challenges. In addition, when processes are fragmented and the instrument management process is less than ideal, turnaround time can also increase.
