A sterile processing technician is responsible for sterilizing and preparing medical equipment. The skills of a sterile processing technician are vital for medical facilities as they help prevent the transmission of disease by sterilizing medical equipment. These technicians also go by similar job titles, such as certified registered central service technician (CRCST), Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), Certified Sterile Services Technician (CSST) or sterile preparation technician.
A sterile processing technician works indoors and they are required to wear safety equipment to avoid infection. In the best online sterile processing course, anyone can learn about the different duties of a sterile processing technician, which include the following:
- Preparing or packaging medical equipment for use
- Operating medical equipment as needed
- Inspecting medical equipment for functionality and sterilization
- Maintaining inventory of medical equipment
- Ensuring the sterilization of medical procedure rooms
- Recording test results for sterilization
Skills of a Sterile Processing Technician
To refine one's skills as a professional sterile processing technician, one must attain a working knowledge of the medical field. A sterile processing technician must also have a strong attention to detail, vigilance, and meticulous care in performing the job.
Here are the top sterile processing technician skills:
Caution
Handling or cleaning surgical instruments and medical equipment requires caution. They must carefully clean each instrument and equipment to avoid exposure or contamination to blood and other body fluids.
Personal protective equipment or PPT such as shoe covers, face masks, surgical gowns, and gloves help a sterile processing technician in their line of work. This is because they are often exposed to contaminated devices and strong chemicals, such biochemical waste.
Attention to Detail
A sterile processing technician pays attention to every detail during the sterilization process. This job requires extreme accuracy and meticulousness in disinfecting clinical instruments and medical equipment.
To ensure safety, a sterile processing technician also checks the inventory, put together instrument trays, distribute medical supplies, and check product expiration dates. They must be alert and attentive while collecting and disposing of material contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
Patience
Sterile processing technicians practice patience in accomplishing their daily duties, ensuring thorough cleanliness and complete sterilization of medical instruments and the health care facility. They must always observe the established processes and workflows in a medical setting.
Apart from cleaning medical equipment, a sterile processing technician may also need to assemble each piece accurately to ensure surgical effectiveness and patient safety in a medical facility.
Analytical Reasoning
A skilled sterile processing technician should possess analytical reasoning as it is their responsibility to disassemble, sterilize, and reassemble medical equipment from start to finish. They must look at information first when handling clinical instruments and equipment to ensure that they are safe for medical examinations, surgeries, and clinical procedures.
A sterile processing technician is also responsible for checking each medical instrument and identifying potential damage or defects. After sterilization and reassembly, they are accountable for delivering the equipment to the proper facilities or departments.
At Martinson College, you can earn your skills as a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification in as little as eight weeks. You may visit their official website http://www.martinsoncollege.com/ to enroll in their online courses.
Read More: Essential Qualities of a Professional Sterile Processing Technician
