HSPA - Chapter 1. Introduction to
Sterile Processing
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) - answerA surgical procedure performed in a manner
that causes little or no trauma or injury to the patient; it is often performed through a
cannula using lasers, endoscopes or laparoscopes.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive procedures? - answer Shortened hospital
stays
Less tissue damage and bleeding
Smaller amount of anesthesia
Less pain and minimal scarring
Smaller incisions
Reduced trauma
Shorter recovery times
SPD (Sterile Processing Department) - answerThe SPD is the central location for the
delivery of soiled (used) medical devices and the distribution of clean and sterile items.
One-way flow of materials - answerRefers to the movement of products/materials from
the soiled area to the clean processing area and on to the sterile storage area.
Physical barriers/ walls used to separate the functional areas of the SPD - answerThese
areas include:
Decontamination
Preparation and packaging (prep and pack)
Sterilization
Sterile storage/distribution
Decontamination - answerTo make safe by removing or reducing contamination by
infectious organisms or other harmful substances to an acceptable level.
Cleaning - answerThe removal of all visible and non-visible soil and any other foreign
material from medical devices being processed.
Why is decontamination an important process? - answerItems cannot be considered
sterile or high-level disinfected if they are not effectively cleaned; therefore cleaning is
the first step in the sterilization process.
