Advanced Instrument Processing Solutions

First, you need to lower the temperature on your wash cycle to the optimum high point of your detergent. Most of the enzymes in an enzymatic detergent will begin to denature over 145°F.

Let’s explore a few scenarios where your washer was set previously to a higher temperature:

1. If your wash cycle was set at a temperature over 160°F, it was probably set up for an alkaline detergent which work best at higher temperatures. 
2. If you were previously using another enzymatic detergent at a high temperature and experiencing poor results, these high wash temperatures would most likely be the cause. 
3. If you were using a two detergent system, your wash cycle would only work properly at the higher temperature if you were following the enzymatic detergent wash by an alkaline one. Following the enzyme wash cycle with a plain neutral pH detergent wash cycle at that high of a temperature, would have just been cooking any leftover soil onto your instruments.

With the aforementioned in mind, if you don’t know how to change the temperature on your washer, please have your service tech come in and show you how! All too often, I encounter facilities where no one knows how to adjust the parameters on their washer. This is a very important piece of “know how.” For example, if you’re testing your washer’s cleaning efficacy according to AAMI recommendations, and it appears you are not using enough chemistry to do the job, how are you going to adjust the dosing if you don’t know how to? Don’t become dependent on your service tech for these minor adjustments—a service call takes time, and it’s down time you can’t afford. Besides, learning how to adjust your machine will ensure you are in control in following recommendations and optimizing your cleaning ability.

Furthermore, if you work at a larger facility with a number of shifts, it’s my belief that at least one person on every shift should know the codes to change the parameters. You wouldn’t own a car without knowing how to put gas in it or an oven that only ran at one temperature, right? And you probably know how to change the parameters on your sterilizer for those “wonderful” extended cycles… so why wouldn’t you know how to do the same with your washers?

I know… I went off on a tangent again… but I hope I answered your question and wish you all a wonderful holiday!

Following my attendance at last week’s AAMI/FDA Summit on Medical Device Reprocessing, I feel impelled to get up on my “soap box” and repeat the sentiments I heard over and over at the summit:
• Elevate Reprocessing to the Level Where We Need It to Be
• Mandate Certification

Yes, I was shocked and amazed too, but there really are people who understand the problems encountered by the Sterile Processing community on a daily basis. They spoke up, and I cannot agree more!

I have witnessed many changes in Sterile Processing since the 1980s, and the processes for cleaning and sterilization have become more and more complicated; yet, the monetary compensation for those who perform this job has remained less than adequate.

Let me ask you:
• How many children do you know say “I want to be a Sterile Processing Technician when I grow up”?
• How many people do you know are even remotely aware of a job or department in the hospital called Sterile Processing?

It is high time that we elevate ourselves as Sterile Processing Techs and get the recognition we deserve.

First and foremost, GET CERTIFIED! It doesn’t matter if certification is mandatory or not in your state. It makes no difference to me with whom you are certified (CBSPD or IAHCSMM). Just get it!

Here’s why I feel so strongly about certification: I am fortunate enough to have worked with people in the past who foresaw the day when certification would become mandatory in my home state of New Jersey. So I took their advice and received my first certification in 1991. This put a few more pennies (yes pennies, not dollars) in my paycheck; however, when the state mandate was passed, I, and many others like myself, was ready for it. Here’s another way to think of it: when a physician becomes Board Certified, it reflects his/her exceptional expertise in a particular specialty. So I ask, if you were searching for a plastic surgeon, would you be satisfied with just any surgeon, or would you select one who was board certified? Certification demonstrates your understanding of the subtle nuances of your job. Furthermore, certification not only proves that you can perform day in and day out, but it also shows you can apply that understanding on paper. So go out and show your exceptional job expertise by getting certified!

Getting certified is only the start. Once you are certified, it is crucial to STAY certified! Go attend as many educational seminars as you can and obtain the CEUs you need (get a few extra for your own good) to keep your certification current. The field of Sterile Processing is constantly evolving: techniques from 25 years ago are outdated, and the instruments and equipment we work with are becoming more and more complex, so stay current with your certification and education. Remember, this is not only for yourself, but also for the people you do your job for–the patients.

Lastly, join your local Central Supply/Sterile Processing organization. Membership has its advantages, such as discounted admission to their CEU seminars. They often can act as advocates for you and your peers when it comes to legislation in your area. Remember, there is power in numbers and solidarity: the more members in your local organization, the more likely they will be to work for its members. Also, once you are a member, remember not to lose your voice. Speak up and let them know your concerns.

I truly believe that we Sterile Processing Technicians are the First Line of Defense Against Infection and the Unsung Heroes of the hospital; however, we will only be taken seriously and receive the recognition we deserve, both verbally and monetarily, if we all:
• elevate ourselves
• get certified
• stay educated
• enlist our legislators to mandate our certification

Above all, the sense of pride and accomplishment that you feel in becoming certified and staying educated will become a driving force in your life, because you will know that you are doing the best job you can for the patients who are ultimately under your care.

Enough Said!

A Belated, Happy Central Sterile Processing Week to All,
Charles