A sterilization technician is responsible for ensuring that medical tools and instruments are safe to use. His job entails sterilizing surgical instruments such as scalpels, forceps, and tweezers before they are used for surgery or other procedures. Because his work directly affects the health and well-being of patients, it’s critical that he be well-informed and meticulous. In general, becoming a sterilization technician requires completion of a technical program of study and certification. Inspecting medical equipment, sterilizing a variety of tools, keeping records, transporting tools, and keeping track of inventory are some of the typical responsibilities of this position.
Regularly inspecting medical equipment is an important part of this profession. Defibrillators, respiratory ventilators, oxygen tanks, and anesthesia machines, for example, must all be checked for cleanliness and functionality. This technician might check different equipment parts for performance and make sure everything is properly connected to keep a medical facility running smoothly. He may also be required to clean and wipe down various machines.
The sterilization of a variety of tools is perhaps the most important responsibility of this job. Before coming into contact with a patient, anything used in surgery or other medical procedures must be safely sterilized. As a result, a sterilization technician must follow safety guidelines and inspect each tool before performing a medical procedure. In many cases, this entails heating tools to extremely high temperatures in an autoclave. In some facilities, he may also be in charge of sterilizing the hospital beds of patients.
In addition, a sterilization technician is frequently required to keep meticulous records. He might need to document the process after placing surgical tools in an autoclave, for example. He might also have a cleaning checklist to go over during each shift to make sure all other equipment is clean. Because it is critical to perform these tasks well, a sterilization must be well-organized and detailed.
After the tools have been sterilized successfully, they are usually transported to the appropriate department. This entails transporting tools to a specific surgery room prior to the procedure. The technician may also deliver certain items to the patient’s home in some cases.
Additionally, this position frequently necessitates inventory management. He must ensure that there is an adequate amount of tools available for upcoming medical procedures, in addition to cleaning and sterilizing items. When supplies run low, it’s up to the sterilization technician to place an order for more before they run out.