The Importance of Surgical Instrument Sterilization

by Raynetta Stansil Independent Healthcare Consultant

Surgical instruments are a necessity for healthcare organizations that perform surgical procedures like appendectomies, biopsies, coronary bypasses, endoscopies, and more. These instruments come in a variety of shapes and sizes that correspond with their intended use. They are also categorized as reusable or disposable surgical instruments depending on their composition and usable life span. Reusable surgical instruments that are made from hardened and tempered steel. These instruments, which often include endoscopes and scalpels, can be used multiple times and be taken in for repairs when needed. Disposable surgical supplies and instruments like surgical gloves, suction catheters and some trocars, on the other hand, are usually made from rubber and plastic materials and cannot be used more than once.

Any discussion of surgical instruments requires consideration of a key process discussed here: sterilization.

Why Is Sterilization of Surgical Instruments So Important?

Disposable surgical instruments are sterilized before they are packaged, ensuring ready-to-use surgical instruments as soon as they are opened. This is not the case for reusable surgical instruments. These have to go through a process called surgical instrument reprocessing in which they are decontaminated through cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization until they are not a danger to patients. This is true for all reusable instruments in all healthcare facilities after every use, regardless of size or budget.

Surgical sterilization is critical because using tools without fully decontaminating them can lead to hospital-acquired infections. With proper surgical instrument sterilization, patients are at much lower risk for these types of nosocomial infections. Along with patient and staff safety, proper care and maintenance of surgical instruments extends their usable life span and minimizes the cost of repairs or replacements down the line.

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a useful source of guidance on proper care and maintenance. When first purchasing surgical instruments, OEMs will usually include guidelines often called the instructions for use (IFU), that explain how to best reprocess the instruments to minimize damage and prolong their life. Make sure to follow them as written.

Why Should I Hire a Sterilization Technician?

The point of sterilization is to ensure that all equipment can be used safely without endangering the patient. As such, it is important that only those trained to reprocess surgical instruments are doing so. These are some of the reprocessing-specific duties and responsibilities a sterile processing technician has to contend with:

Decontaminates and sterilizes instruments, medical supplies and equipment, and assembles, wraps and sterilizes trays of instruments. Follows proper Standard Precautions while in the decontamination and sterilization areas.
Monitors biological and chemical wash solutions to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.
Sorts mismatched sets of instruments, trays, and medical equipment and makes them available to medical professionals in a timely manner.
Restocks, labels, and maintains inventory, submits requisitions, collects and distributes instruments, trays, crash carts, and facility medical equipment.
Performs environmental maintenance duties and assists in maintaining inventory levels in sterile processing, the operating room, and in equipment storage areas.
Verifies that equipment functions properly, requisitions for equipment maintenance, repair or replacement, and removes defective equipment.
Maintains a clean work area.
Assists with maintaining established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, and quality improvement, safety, and environmental and infection control standards.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization are key components of surgical instrument reprocessing that ensure all equipment is ready for use and will not spread infections. Organizations like Surgical Solutions can help provide certified sterile processing technicians who are process experts. This ensures your team that can take care of the challenges that come their way.