- Receive, sort, and inspect used surgical instruments and medical equipment.
- Clean instruments manually and using automated washing equipment.
- Prepare and pack instruments, trays, and supplies for sterilization.
- Operate sterilization equipment such as steam autoclaves, low-temperature sterilizers, and washer-disinfectors.
- Monitor and document sterilization cycles using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators.
- Maintain accurate sterilization and inventory records.
- Store sterile items according to infection control standards.
- Distribute sterile supplies to operating rooms, wards, and other departments.
- Identify damaged or malfunctioning instruments and report them for repair or replacement.
- Follow hospital infection prevention, safety, and quality assurance protocols.
- Participate in audits, stock management, and departmental training programs.

Roles and Responsibilities
1. Cleaning and Decontamination

- Collect used surgical instruments and medical devices from operating rooms, wards, and clinics.
- Sort instruments according to type and contamination level.
- Clean instruments manually or using automated washers and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Remove blood, tissue, and other contaminants before sterilization.

2. Inspection and Assembly
- Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, corrosion, or malfunction.
- Test instrument functionality where applicable.




- Assemble instrument sets and surgical trays according to hospital standards.

3. Sterilization
- Operate sterilization equipment such as:
- Steam autoclaves
- Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizers
- Low-temperature sterilization systems

- Select appropriate sterilization methods based on instrument type.
- Monitor sterilization cycles and ensure required parameters are met.

4. Packaging and Labeling
- Pack instruments using approved wrapping materials and containers.
- Label sterilized items with batch numbers, dates, and expiry information.
- Maintain traceability records for sterilized loads.

5. Storage and Distribution
- Store sterile supplies under proper conditions.
- Maintain stock levels of sterile instruments and consumables.
- Distribute sterile packs and equipment to departments as requested.

6. Quality Control and Documentation
- Perform biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring of sterilizers.
- Maintain sterilization records and logs.
- Ensure compliance with infection control policies and accreditation standards.
- Report equipment failures or process deviations.

7. Infection Prevention and Safety
- Follow standard precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Handle contaminated instruments safely.
- Adhere to hospital infection control protocols and occupational safety guidelines.

📌 Associate-CSSD (Mysuru)
🏢 Manipal Hospitals
📍 Mysuru