AmeriWater Recognizes Central Sterile Technicians for Sterile Processing Week 2021
Did you know October 10th through the 16th is Sterile Processing Week 2021? As a manufacturer of TIR34 compliant central sterile water purification systems, AmeriWater understands how integral the central sterile processing department is to the functionality of a successful healthcare facility.
The central sterile processing department plays a critical role in preventing infection and keeping patients safe. Central Sterile Technicians or Central Service Professionals sanitize and sterilize reusable medical instruments. They then organize and package these instruments in preparation for efficient distribution to the facility’s examination, operating, and treatment rooms.
Inspection is another important part of the role. Central Sterile Technicians are the first line in defense against worn or faulty instruments. Once received by the department’s technicians, medical instruments such as scalpels, scissors, and forceps are carefully examined for signs of wear or damage.
The Central Sterile Process
Each central sterile processing department has three main sections: the decontamination area or “dirty side,” assembly area or “clean side,” and finally the sterile storage and distribution area. Technicians wear personal protective clothing throughout the entire process.
Decontamination
After use, instruments are collected in a designated location and then safely transported to the decontamination area of the central sterile processing department. Technicians take much care during this process to prevent contamination from the used instruments.
Depending on the type and level of soil, instruments are then placed in a pre-soak, rinsed or wiped in preparation for cleaning. Specialized equipment washes the sorted instruments. AmeriWater’s sterile water purification systems provide high purity water for a final instrument rinse. Utilizing high purity water for this stage not only keeps instruments sterile. It also prevents spotting from dissolved minerals commonly found in tap water, which could lead to instrument degradation.
Assembly
After the decontamination process, technicians inspect the sterilized instruments. They package the instruments in sterile containers, creating kits for the facility’s departments, specific surgeries, or other specialized uses.
Sterile Storage and Distribution
It is imperative these kits are stored to maintain sterility. The sterile storage area maintains a safe environment that ensures each kit stays completely contaminate free from assembly to their final destination in the facility.
Sterile Processing Week 2021 Thank You
AmeriWater’s water purification specialists work closely with central sterile processing technicians and department heads during the development, sizing, and installation of our efficient water purification systems. We understand the extreme level of care these dedicated professionals bring each day to keep patients and healthcare workers safe from harmful pathogens. We applaud them during Sterile Processing Week 2021, and beyond!