Introduction

The Device Reprocessing & CSSD (Central Sterile Services Department) Program is designed to build strong, standardized competencies in the cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, packaging, storage, and distribution of reusable medical devices across healthcare facilities. The program connects day-to-day CSSD practices with patient safety, infection prevention, surgical outcomes, and regulatory compliance, emphasizing error-proof workflows, traceability, and quality assurance across the complete reprocessing cycle.

Scope

This program covers the complete CSSD/device reprocessing pathway, including:

• Classification of medical devices (critical, semi-critical, non-critical) and selection of reprocessing method
• Point-of-use care, safe collection, transport, and segregation of used instruments
• Cleaning and decontamination (manual and automated processes)
• Inspection, functional testing, assembly, and packaging
• Disinfection and sterilization principles (steam, low-temperature methods, chemical disinfection)
• Monitoring and validation: mechanical, chemical, and biological indicators; documentation and release criteria
• Storage, handling, distribution, and event-related sterility
• Traceability, recall procedures, and management of nonconformities
• Occupational safety, PPE, sharps safety, and chemical handling
• Quality systems, audits, SOPs, and alignment with hospital infection control and accreditation expectations

Objectives

By the end of the program, learners will be able to:

• Apply correct cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization workflows based on device risk classification
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to minimize contamination, rework, and device damage
• Interpret and use indicator systems and sterilizer cycle records for safe load release
• Maintain traceability and documentation for audits, recalls, and incident investigations
• Strengthen CSSD quality indicators (e.g., sterilization failures, wet packs, reprocessing errors) and drive continuous improvement
• Promote staff safety and compliance in high-risk decontamination environments

Who can enroll

This program is suitable for:

• CSSD/sterile processing technicians and supervisors
• OT/OR staff, endoscopy reprocessing staff, dental assistants involved in instrument processing
• Infection prevention & control (IPC) team members
• Quality/NABH/NABL coordinators and patient safety officers
• Nurses, biomedical/clinical engineering support staff, and hospital operations managers
• Students and early-career healthcare professionals seeking structured CSSD competency training

Study Content (Videos and PDFs) – from TERRALEAP.COM

To support learning and practical implementation, this program includes videos and PDF-based study resources provided through TERRALEAP.COM.