Medical Equipment Sterilization
Step-by-step sterilization protocol for reusable medical instruments, following CDC and OSHA guidelines for infection prevention.
Purpose
Prevent healthcare-associated infections by ensuring all reusable medical instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored according to regulatory standards.
This is a PRO template — included with the Individual Pro plan.
Steps (7)
Pre-Cleaning at Point of Use
Immediately after use, pre-clean instruments at the point of care. If processing is delayed, place in enzymatic pre-soak solution. Transport in a closed, puncture-resistant, leak-proof biohazard container.
Checklist
- Instruments wiped of visible soil immediately after use
- Enzymatic pre-soak applied if processing is delayed
- Sharp instruments handled with puncture-resistant precautions
- Transport container is closed, leak-proof, and labeled biohazard
- PPE worn during handling
Expected Output
Instruments pre-cleaned and safely contained for transport to the processing area.
Manual Cleaning & Decontamination
In the decontamination area, don full PPE. Disassemble instruments with removable parts. Manually scrub each instrument under running water using enzymatic detergent. Inspect each instrument for remaining soil.
Checklist
- Full PPE donned
- Instruments disassembled where applicable
- Each instrument scrubbed with enzymatic detergent
- Joints, serrations, and lumens specifically brushed
- Instruments rinsed under clean running water
- Visual inspection for remaining soil
- Instruments that fail inspection re-cleaned
Expected Output
All instruments visibly clean, free of bioburden, and ready for sterilization processing.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Place manually cleaned instruments in the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use the manufacturer-recommended solution and cycle time. Rinse thoroughly after the cycle.
Checklist
- Ultrasonic cleaner solution fresh and at correct concentration
- Instruments fully submerged, not overlapping
- Correct cycle time selected
- Cycle completed without interruption
- Instruments removed and rinsed thoroughly
Expected Output
Instruments ultrasonically cleaned and rinsed.
Inspection & Function Testing
Inspect every instrument under good lighting. Check for: bioburden, corrosion, cracks, dull cutting edges, and proper alignment. Test functionality of scissors, clamps, and hinged instruments. Remove damaged instruments from circulation.
Checklist
- Each instrument visually inspected under magnification
- Cutting instruments tested for sharpness
- Hinged instruments tested for smooth operation
- Clamps tested for proper locking mechanism
- No cracks, chips, or structural damage
- Damaged instruments tagged and removed from service
Expected Output
All instruments inspected and functional. Damaged instruments removed.
Packaging & Sterilizer Loading
Package instruments in appropriate sterilization wraps or pouches. Include internal chemical indicator. Label each package with contents, date, sterilizer ID, and load number. Load the sterilizer per manufacturer instructions.
Checklist
- Instruments arranged in trays (not tightly packed)
- Internal chemical indicator placed in each package
- Packages properly sealed
- Each package labeled (contents, date, sterilizer ID, load number)
- Expiration date marked per facility policy
- Sterilizer loaded per manufacturer guidelines
- External chemical indicator visible on each package
Expected Output
Instruments packaged, labeled, and loaded in the sterilizer correctly.
Sterilization Cycle & Monitoring
Select the correct sterilization cycle. Start the cycle and monitor physical parameters. After completion, check the printout to verify all parameters were met. Check external chemical indicators for proper color change.
Checklist
- Correct cycle type selected (gravity, prevacuum, or flash)
- Cycle completed without errors
- Printout/digital log reviewed — all parameters within spec
- External chemical indicators show proper color change
- Biological indicator included in load (per schedule)
- Load released only after mechanical and chemical indicators pass
Expected Output
Sterilization cycle completed successfully. Mechanical and chemical indicators verified.
Cooling, Storage & Documentation
Allow sterilized packages to cool naturally. Inspect packages for integrity. Store in a clean, dry, dust-free area. Maintain the sterilization log with all cycle details.
Checklist
- Packages cooled on appropriate surface
- Each package inspected for integrity after cooling
- No wet packs, torn wraps, or compromised seals
- Packages stored in clean, dry, low-traffic area
- FIFO rotation applied to sterile storage
- Sterilization log completed (date, cycle params, load contents, operator)
- Biological indicator results recorded when available
Expected Output
Sterilized instruments properly cooled, inspected, and stored. Documentation filed.