Sterile Processing Is ‘Unseen but Essential’ Part of Patient Care

When a patient enters the operating room, every detail matters. At Moffitt Cancer Center, a successful surgery doesn’t just rely on the surgeon’s skill, it also depends on a team that many never see: the Sterile Processing Department. 

“Without clean, sterilized instruments, surgery simply doesn’t happen,” said Dena Ramirez, manager of sterile processing at Moffitt. “My team makes sure that every single instrument is safe, disinfected and ready for the next patient.” 

The Life Cycle of a Surgical Instrument 

The journey of a surgical instrument doesn’t end when a procedure is complete. Once an operation is finished, instruments are sealed in biohazard containers and sent directly to the Sterile Processing Department.  

From there, the process unfolds: 

• Decontamination: Fully suited in protective gear, technicians manually clean and flush instruments, removing all visible debris before placing them in specialized washers or hand disinfecting them, depending on manufacturer instructions. 

• Inspection and Assembly: Once clean, instruments are carefully reassembled according to detailed count sheets. This ensures every tray contains exactly what a surgeon needs for a procedure. 

• Sterilization: Instruments undergo rigorous sterilization, either through high-temperature steam or low-temperature processes for heat-sensitive items. Each set includes biological and chemical indicators to confirm sterility. 

• Storage and Tracking: Every tray is barcoded and tracked until its next use. If an instrument reaches a certain number of uses the system automatically alerts staff that it’s time for sharpening or refurbishment. 

A Team That Makes Surgery Possible 

At Moffitt, the sterile processing team is a large, dedicated group of more than 50 technicians, supervisors and educators. Each campus has its own fully functioning sterile processing unit ready to meet the needs of surgeons and patients. 

Ramirez is quick to recognize that the true strength of the department lies in its people. “Although I manage the department, they’re the ones who make it all happen. They’re detail-oriented, committed and they understand that lives depend on their work,” she said. 

Sterile processing team members rarely meet patients face-to-face, but their impact is undeniable. Every clean tray, every sterilized scalpel, every safe-to-use clamp is the result of their dedication. 

“Our patients may never know us, but everything we do is for them,” Ramirez said. “We take pride in being that unseen but essential part of their care.”