Understanding Cleaning in the Decontamination Area of SPD

Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL

The decontamination area of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is where critical cleaning of medical and surgical instruments takes place. This step is foundational in preventing infections and ensuring that instruments are safe for reuse. The process typically involves:

1. Initial Cleaning: Instruments arrive contaminated with blood, tissue, and other organic matter. First, manual or mechanical cleaning removes visible soil, often using brushes, water, and detergents designed to break down organic material.
2. Decontamination Equipment: High-level disinfection machines, ultrasonic cleaners, and washer-disinfectors further clean instruments, reaching areas that manual scrubbing might miss.
3. Protection and Safety: Personnel in decontamination must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and gowns to prevent exposure to harmful contaminants and sharp instruments.
4. Process Adherence: Following strict cleaning procedures ensures that instruments are safe for sterilization, which is the next critical step in the SPD process.

Ensuring effective cleaning in decontamination is crucial for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety.

Reference

Sterile Processing Technical Manual, 9^th Edition, HSPA Publishing, Pp 105-131