Course Code: REL-ACU-0-CSPEIP
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Identify the key practices that support infection prevention in sterile processing.
Explain how SP professionals can break the chain of infection during instrument handling and reprocessing.
Recognize common challenges and workplace risks that can compromise infection prevention in the SPD.
Outline:
Section 1: Infection Prevention Overview
Infection Prevention in Practice
A Preventable Outcome
About This Course
Surgical Site Infections
What Is an SSI?
Impact of SSIs on Patients
Knowledge Check: George’s Shift
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Challenges and Core Practices of Infection Prevention
Breaking the Chain of Infection
Links in the Chain of Infection
Core Objectives for SSI Prevention
Five Objectives for Infection Prevention
SP Professionals’ Role in SSI Prevention
Factors That Make Infection Prevention More Difficult
Supporting Safer Surgical Outcomes
Knowledge Check: George’s Shift
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Standard Precautions, Attire, and PPE
What Are Standard Precautions?
Core Principles of Standard Precautions
Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense
Handwashing With Soap and Water
Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer (ABHS)
When to Use Soap and Water Instead of ABHS
Fingernail Hygiene
Attire Requirements
Attire and PPE Requirements in the SPD
Knowledge Check: George’s Shift
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Environmental Care
Environmental Controls
Separation of Areas and Airflow Management
Humidity, Temperature, and Air Exchange Requirements
Environmental Cleaning
Knowledge Check: George’s Shift
Key Takeaways
Sharps Safety in Sterile Processing
Sharps Injuries
Sharps Disposal and Handling Guidelines
Injury Prevention Strategies for SP Professionals
Understanding Bloodborne Pathogen Risks
What to Do in Case of Exposure
Sharps and SSI Risk
Knowledge Check: George’s Shift
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Infection Prevention Beyond the Basics
Additional Infection Prevention Topics for the SPD
Biofilm Formation and Reprocessing Risks
Point-of-Use Treatment and Transport
Residual Moisture and Wet Pack Risks
Storage Conditions and Event-Related Contamination
Human Factors and Workflow-Related Infection Risk
Instrument Set Verification and Tray Integrity
George’s Reflection
Key Takeaways
Section 7: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributor
References
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Central Sterile Personnel; in the following settings: Hospitals: Acute.
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.