A Call to Conscience: An Open Letter to the Sterile Processing Industry

(We recently received this anonymous letter from one of our listeners. It is a poignant reminder of the reality of far too many Sterile Processing departments and earnest professionals in our industry. And the questions they ask need real answers...)

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"I don't know what to do. I am new to sterile processing and am horrified by what I am seeing. 

My mother passed away from an infection she contracted while having surgery. I entered sterile processing determined to do my best to ensure that another family did not lose their mom in this way.

I work at a hospital that averages about 40 surgeries a day - about 15 of which are total joint replacements. 

I was surprised to learn that there are no environmental controls - temperature fluctuations and humidity changes are not monitored. Garbage is emptied daily but floors are not mopped. Cleaning in decontamination consists of wiping up blood etc with a dry cloth. 

A rep was in recently. He asked for 4 instruments to use in his demonstration. 3 of the 4 he said should be removed from service immediately. More than one was not sharp enough to do what it was meant for. We have no way of testing sharpness. 

I came into this field thinking my hard work could make a difference. I am now terrified that my best will not be enough. 

In reading and watching videos I believed that sterile processing was regulated and rather regimented - all techs cleaning and inspecting in similar ways to ensure sterility. What I have found couldn't be further from the truth. 

Is this the truth of the industry - slick videos and quasi-professional organizations shielding the public from the horrible truth that lurks out of sight? Brightly lit, high tech healthcare hiding a filthy secret in the basement? 

I didn't mean to ramble on. My question is: am I seeing what sterile processing really is? Glossy books and internet posts are just window dressing to a dirty job? Is 'Sterile processing professional' just wishful thinking?"

Anonymous Email Submission, June 2019

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