HSPA

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Glossary

1

Sterile Processing Department (SPD)

The hospital department where reusable surgical instruments and devices are cleaned, inspected, packaged, sterilized, and stored before reuse.

2

Central Service (CS)

An older term for sterile processing, sometimes covering the broader supply, distribution, and reprocessing functions that support surgery and patient care.

3

Decontamination

The first reprocessing step in which blood, tissue, and bioburden are removed from used instruments, usually in a designated dirty area with PPE and washer-disinfectors.

4

Sterile Processing Technician (SPT)

A technician who performs manual cleaning, washer loading, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and sterile storage of reusable medical devices.

5

CRCST

Certified Registered Central Service Technician, an HSPA credential for sterile processing technicians who demonstrate knowledge of reprocessing standards and practices.

6

CIS

Certified Instrument Specialist, an HSPA credential focused on complex instrument inspection, assembly, and troubleshooting.

7

CHL

Certified Healthcare Leader, an HSPA credential for supervisors and managers who lead sterile processing teams and departments.

8

Autoclave or steam sterilizer

A pressure vessel that uses saturated steam under pressure to sterilize instruments, trays, and other heat- and moisture-tolerant items.

9

Low-temperature sterilization

Sterilization processes such as ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and other low-temperature systems used for heat-sensitive or moisture-sensitive devices.

10

Biological Indicator (BI)

A test containing bacterial spores that verifies whether a sterilization process achieved the required lethality; results are read after incubation.

11

Chemical Indicator (CI)

A diagnostic test that changes color or form after exposure to sterilization conditions; it shows process exposure, not proof of sterility.

12

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS)

Steam sterilization of urgent items for immediate use, formerly called flash sterilization; it requires strict controls and is not a substitute for routine reprocessing.

13

Case cart

A cart assembled with the instruments and supplies needed for a specific surgical case, then transported to the OR and returned for reprocessing.

14

Loaner instruments

Vendor-owned trays temporarily provided for a surgical case; they require coordination, inspection, and reprocessing before use.

15

Spaulding Classification

A framework that classifies devices as critical, semi-critical, or non-critical to guide whether sterilization or disinfection is required.

16

AAMI ST79

A comprehensive guide for steam sterilization and sterility assurance in healthcare facilities, widely used for SPD policies and quality control.

17

Instrument tracking system

Barcode or RFID software that documents instrument movement, reprocessing steps, and tray contents to support traceability and quality audits.

18

Point-of-use treatment

Keeping instruments moist at the point of use, often with gel or foam, to prevent bioburden from drying before transport to the SPD.