Job Description

What is a Sterile Processing Tech (SPD Tech)?


SPD Techs have a critical role in preventing infection with tasks such as sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing, and distributing medical supplies. This role will also handle soiled and contaminated items, so you need to be comfortable with handling. This is a very tactical position that requires strong attention to detail and will work behind the scenes. This position does not interact with patients. Previous SPD or healthcare experience is preferred. SPD Certification for this position is not required.

Major Responsibilities:

Receives soiled and contaminated items in decontamination area. Sorts equipment, rinses as needed, places equipment through sonic tanks and washers, reassembles trays, performs safety checks, hangs and sorts instruments, wraps sets according to set policy, and wraps towels and basins appropriately. Sterilizes instruments and equipment using the aerator, gas sterilizer or steam sterilizer and operates glass dryer. Packages items in steri/peel as required. Performs quality assurance testing for all methods of sterilization to ensure sterility of supplies. Hand cleans miscellaneous instruments (Baxter pump, hypothermo units, etc.) and operates the cart cleaner. Ensures proper care and handling of high cost instrumentation and equipment to include items requiring special handling, laser instrumentation, orthopedic implants, cardiac assist devices, endoscopic and microscopic instrumentation. May build case carts according to procedure and physician preference as specified. File case cart sheets and requisitions, responds to Code 4s with defibrillator and back up supplies, maintains CPR annies, tests autoclaves with the tests according to procedure, and changes graphs as necessary. Checks incoming trays and follows up with departments as to missing instruments or parts. Takes immediate and appropriate action if a question of sterilizer failure occurs. Receives and records orders for supplies as requested by departments. Records accurate product number and assures all forms are correctly completed for proper billing. Marks, dates and stocks equipment, which may include returning to appropriate department on a timely basis. Opens and unpacks supply boxes, checking for damaged goods and number of items received. Reports any discrepancies to the supervisor. Performs credits for unused products returned, checks stock levels, copies supply sheets, checks carts for outdated supplies, and performs general cleaning of shelves. May performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

None Required.

Education Required:

High School Graduate.

Experience Required:

No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Ability to function in fast paced stressful, environment. Knowledge of sterilization principles and applications. Familiarity with medical terminology.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Must stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist and reach above shoulders various times throughout the workday. Must be able to: lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist. lift up to 20 lbs. over the head. carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance. Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs of force. perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present. Atmosphere in work environment may contain fumes and dust. Will be exposed to chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids. Protective clothing must be worn as necessary. Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.