- Decontamination & Cleaning: Collect, receive, and segregate used surgical instruments, running them through ultrasonic cleaners, washer-disinfectors, and manual cleaning protocols.
- Inspection & Assembly: Check instruments for cleanliness, damage, or missing pieces, then organize and assemble them into specific surgical instrument trays and sets.
- Packaging & Labeling: Wrap, package, and label instruments appropriately before sterilization.
- Sterilization: Operate and monitor equipment such as steam autoclaves, ETO (ethylene oxide), or plasma sterilizers.
- Storage & Distribution: Store sterile items in rotation and issue ready-to-use kits to operating rooms and clinical units.
- Safety & Compliance: Follow hospital infection-control policies, wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and report broken machinery or failed cycles.