Decon Zone
This must be worn before handling contaminated instruments in the decontamination area
PPE
This device helps a technician closely inspect instruments for cleanliness and defects
lighted magnifier
This commonly used sterilization method uses saturated steam under pressure
Steam sterilization
Before a package is released for use, the technician should verify this is intact
package/container system
Your preceptor corrects you. You roll your eyes and say, "Whatever, that's not how we learned it." What should you do instead?
Accept feedback, ask appropriate questions, verify the correct procedure/IFU when necessary.
Instruments should be transported from the point of use to decontamination in this type of container or cart
Closed or covered, leak resistant container/cart
labeled biohazard
Hinged instruments are generally positioned this way during sterilization to allow sterilant to contact all surfaces
opened/unhinged
These indicators are placed outside packages and show that the package has been exposed to a sterilization process.
External chemical indicators
A wrapped tray is discovered with a tear in the wrapper. The tray should be considered this.
Contaminated/unsterile
You don't know how to process a device. Your coworker says, "Just do what we normally do." What is the professional response?
Stop and locate IFU or seek assistance before processing it
This should be done to multi-part instruments according to the manufactures instructions before or during cleaning
disassembly
inspect and test them for proper function/sharpness
This type of monitor provides the most direct evidence of sterilization process lethality because it uses highly resistant bacterial spores.
biological indicator
Sterile items should be handled as little as possible primarily for this reason.
reduce the risk of compromising package integrity/contamination
The OR calls upset about a missing instrument. The technician responds, "thats not my fault. You guys lose instruments all the time." Give a professional response.
Acknowledge the concern, gather necessary information, work toward resolving the issue/problem without assigning blame
A technician notices blood remaining in the box lock of an instrument after cleaning. This is the technician's next action...
Return instrument to decontam for cleaning
During assembly, a technician finds a cracked instrument. What is the appropriate action?
A chemical indicator inside a tray does not demonstrate the expected endpoint after processing. This is the appropriate response.
Consider package unacceptable for use and investigate according to policy
Sterile packages should be stored under conditions that protect them from these environmental threats.
Moisture, dust, excessive handling, damage, contamination
Address the safety concern and follow the appropriate reporting/escalation process.
A technician is unsure of the proper dilution, temperature, and contact time for a cleaning chemical. This is the resource that should be consulted.
Manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU)
A technician discovers a wet package after a steam sterilization cycle. The chemical indicator has changed appropriately. Can the package be released for use?
No, a wet pack is considered compromised and should not be released for use.
After steam sterilization cycle is complete, the physical monitors show that the required cycle parameters were not achieved, but the chemical indicators have changed appropriately. What should the technician do?
Consider load unacceptable, do not release the items for use, and follow facility procedures for investigating failed cycle
A sterile package falls to the floor. Rather than automatically deciding it is sterile or contaminated based solely on the fall, the technician should evaluate this.
Package integrity, facilitys event related sterility policy
You discover that you made an assembly error on a tray that has already been sterilized. Nobody else knows about the error. What is the most professional action?
Immediately report the error and follow facility procedures to prevent incorrect set from reaching the patient