Sterile Processing Technician (Long Beach CA)

B. Key Responsibilities 

Must have practical knowledge of theory, principles, practice, and techniques of asepsis to prevent 

the spread of infection. 

Must have practical knowledge of microbiology and the principles as they apply to surgical supply 

operations as they relate to the resistance of microorganisms to external destructive agents such as 

heat, and chemicals used for sterilization and High-Level Disinfection (HLD). 

Must have a working knowledge of standard procedures for steam autoclaving including, but not 

necessarily limited to: Biological testing of sterilization efficacy utilizing commercially available incubated biological test 

vials.

Chemical indicators, internal and external, used for identifying steam sterilization exposure. 

Use, purpose, and correct interpretation of the Bowie-Dick test. 

Interpretation and proper recording of results of all sterilization tests. 

Must have a working knowledge of standard procedures for use of chemical sterilization such as 

Sterrad, including, but not necessarily limited to: 

Biological testing of sterilization efficacy utilizing commercially available incubated biological test 

vials.

Chemical indicators, internal and external, are used for identifying sterilization exposure. 

Processes for routine operator maintenance, including replenishment of sterilant cartridges. 

Interpretation and proper recording of results of all sterilization tests.

Must have a working knowledge of standard procedures for use of HLD systems such as Medivator 

Advantage, Trophon, and manual HLD utilizing Cidex OPA. 

Must be aware of and capable of performing on a routine daily basis all testing and quality assurance 

procedures associated with the use of these devices and chemicals. 

Must have a good working knowledge of the availability, economics, use, operation, maintenance, 

assembly, and disassembly of the full range of surgical supplies, instruments, equipment, and the 

specific cleaning, sterilizing, and storage requirements of each. 

Must possess a very broad knowledge of all types of surgical and clinical instrumentation. This 

knowledge must include sufficient working knowledge to be able to identify damaged or broken 

instruments and be able to find a suitable replacement item if available. 

Knowledge of surgical specialty instrumentation must include a minimum of the following specialties:

General; including laparoscopic instrumentation.

GYN; including laparoscopic and hysteroscopic instrumentation.

Orthopedics; including arthroscopic instrumentation, total joint arthroplasty, fracture fixation, and 

soft tissue procedures. Microscopic surgical instrument care and handling; for example, eye cataract instrumentation.Must have a thorough familiarity with surgical procedures performed in a hospital Operating Room.Must have knowledge of medical and surgical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology. Must have a thorough knowledge of aseptic principles and techniques including characteristics of various types of detergents, and cleaning techniques.Must have knowledge of the proper handling, cleaning, and reprocessing for use of flexible endoscopes such as colonoscopes and gastroscopes. Must be able to follow detailed step-by-step instructions provided by the manufacturer for the handling, cleaning, and sterilization or HLD processing of a large variety of surgical and clinical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME).Must be capable of performing all physical demands of the SPS department including but not limited to: Prolonged standing, frequently as much as 8 hours per duty day with normal rest and meal beaks.Frequent lifting of instrument baskets weighing up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds. Frequent pushing and pulling of carts weighing several hundred pounds. Frequent and repetitive bending to floor level. Frequent and repetitive lifting above the shoulders, with occasional lifts above the head. Must be capable of working in a loud environment with occasionally very loud noises. Must be capable of wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for 8 hours of a duty day with normal rest and meal breaks. Must be capable of working in a hot and humid environment while wearing PPE.Must be capable of performing repetitive work for long periods of time.Must be flexible and able to change tasks at a moment’s notice.Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies. This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not 

specifically listed above.