REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Two (2) years related experience and 
• Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) certification.

Job Description

Under general supervision, prepares, assembles, maintains, and transports surgical trays, instruments, and equipment following established tray listings for issue, storage, or further processing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 

Instrumentation Decontamination:

• Decontaminates surgical instruments and other medical equipment as needed by keeping a continuous flow of equipment moving through the process. 
• Records biological testing, immediate use sterilization load results, and all other data from all sterilizers on a daily basis. 
• Utilizes appropriate cleaning detergents and agents by reading directions and MSDS sheets.
• Requests manufacturer`s guidelines for proper decontamination of loaner instruments.
• Follows industry and hospital standards associated with the transport of contaminated instruments and equipment.
• Follows Universal Precautions by wearing the appropriate protective attire while working in the decontamination area. 

Instrumentation Assembly: 

• Inspects all instruments for cleanliness, proper function, and breakage by viewing the instruments before assembly.
• Assembles surgical trays and equipment following established tray listings.
• Wraps or pouches items according to size and type of instrument or equipment.
• Interacts with customers to ensure prompt delivery of needed equipment.
• Maintains accurate instrument counts for all surgical sets to be assembled and informs supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Communicates any issues that arise with instrument preparation to the Sterile ProcessingSupervisor or Manager. 

Sterilization:

• Sterilizes instruments and surgical trays by following prescribed policies and procedures.
• Challenges the sterilization process by using internal, external and biological monitoring systems appropriately. 
• Monitors, reads, documents, and interprets all parameters for all types of sterilizers to insure proper function and patient safety. 
• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.

Case Carts & Supplies:

• Assembles and distributes case carts per department policy.
• Picks surgical case carts by following established Surgeon Preference Cards or Procedural Pick list / requisition.
• Prepares surgical emergency case carts for emergent procedures.
• Distributes all sterile and non-sterile supplies upon request or case cart requisition.
• Orders and puts away supplies and linens upon request. 

In addition to the functions categorized above, the Sterile Processing Technician I:

• Sanitizes the workstation at the end of each shift.
• Utilizes the Abacus Instrument/Equipment Tracking system per department protocol.
• Effectively communicates, verbally and in writing, with customers, peers, and visitors.
• Troubleshoots and resolves issues associated with instruments or equipment.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:

• Issues or dispenses sterile supplies to the appropriate locations throughout the facility. 
• Rotates trays and inventory to assure proper sterility guidelines are followed. 
• Assumes charge responsibility in the absence of the supervisor or manager.
• Maintains appropriate quality records such as logs, sterilization records and count sheets. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Salary Range:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.