Sterile processing departments (SPD) in hospitals and surgical centers dramatically decrease rates of hospital-acquired infections. Read about essential equipment in a sterile processing department to understand how SPDs clean, sterilize, prepare, and package goods for their facilities.

Autoclaves

Autoclaves are the workhorses of SPDs. These sterilizers pressurize steam to kill bacteria, viruses, and spores on surfaces. One of the things to consider when buying an autoclave is the types of loads the facility processes. SPD personnel can place surgical instruments, glassware, tubes, wrapped goods, and more into the appropriate autoclave.

Decontamination Sinks

Another essential item in a sterile processing department is a decontamination sink. Workers use hydraulic or stationary sinks to clean instruments such as endoscopes manually. SPDs can order sinks in sizes that their workspace can accommodate or dimensions for cleaning longer tools such as robotic instruments.

Surgical Case Carts

Workers can place instruments in high-capacity surgical case carts for safe transportation between SPDs and end-use spaces, such as operating rooms. Staff can quickly maneuver well-designed carts through tight spaces. Slide-out shelves make it easy to load and unload equipment.

Drying Cabinets

Even if items are carefully sterilized, moisture increases the risk of contamination and spreading infection. A device’s interior and exterior components and design can make drying difficult. SPD workers use drying cabinets to ensure instruments and devices dry completely for effective reprocessing. Operators can use precise temperature settings and set customizable timers to dry devices efficiently.

Prep and Pack Stations

Technicians inspect, assemble, and package instruments and utensils at prep and pack stations. These workstations feature ergonomically designed features that reduce physical straining, such as height-adjustment capabilities. Adjustable LED lighting makes it easier for workers to see the parts and their work.

SPD professionals must follow their facilities’ detailed procedures to clean, sterilize, dry, prepare, and transport equipment. Autoclaves, decontamination sinks, surgical case carts, drying cabinets, and prep and pack tables are essential for maintaining the quality of care.

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