Job Summary
The Instrument Technician is responsible for the cleaning, sterilization, assembly, and distribution of surgical instruments and medical equipment to ensure that all hospital departments have sterile and functional tools for patient care. This role is critical in maintaining infection control and adhering to safety and sterilization protocols.
Key Responsibilities
1. Cleaning and Decontamination
- Clean, decontaminate, and disinfect surgical instruments and medical equipment using automated and manual processes.
- Inspect equipment and instruments for damage or wear and report discrepancies.
2. Sterilization
- Operate and monitor sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves, sterilizers).
- Ensure that all items are sterilized according to established protocols and within regulatory guidelines.
- Document sterilization processes, including time, temperature, and pressure readings.
3. Instrument Assembly and Maintenance
- Assemble and package surgical instrument trays and medical equipment according to established protocols.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of sterilization equipment.
4. Inventory Management
- Maintain an adequate inventory of sterile supplies and equipment.
- Restock and distribute sterile items to various hospital departments as needed.
- Track instrument usage and assist in maintaining records for instrument lifecycle management.
5. Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Follow infection control standards and hospital policies to ensure patient and staff safety.
- Participate in audits, inspections, and continuous improvement programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., JCI, ISO).
Qualifications and Skills
Education:
- Certification in Sterile Processing or a related field (preferred)
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience:
- Previous experience in CSSD, sterilization, or a related healthcare role (preferred).
Skills:
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of infection control practices and sterilization techniques.
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot sterilization equipment.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
Work Environment and Conditions
- Exposure to chemicals and high temperatures from sterilization equipment.
- Requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and gowns.
- Physical demands include standing for long periods, lifting heavy trays, and working in a fast-paced environment.
Performance Metrics
- Accuracy in cleaning, assembling, and sterilizing instruments.
- Timeliness in delivering sterile supplies to departments.
- Compliance with infection control and regulatory standards.
- Maintenance of proper documentation and inventory records
