I’m 18 years old and I’m in my senior year of high school, and I’ve become really interested in becoming a Sterile Processing Technician. I’ve been self-studying by watching videos and taking notes every day because I want to get a head start.

I was wondering if anyone has advice on where I should start. What should I focus on learning first? Is self-studying a good way to begin, and what steps did you take to get into SPD?

I’ve also heard people mention needing training or clinical/work hours for certification, so I’m a little confused about how that process works. Any advice or tips would mean a lot. Thank you so much!

Has anyone had a very specific issue with Silicone bleeding over when sterilizing trays. We have a phenomenon happening when we cook older trays that have an aluminum variety casing like arthrex shoulder instruments and an older zimmer patellar case that when they come out wrapped. We get this grease clear film residue. We just started getting this no changes made to washers or chemicals. No changes in the way we test water. I have a feeling we our unknowingly possible introducing the contaminant due to degraded silicone covers in the sets themselves and their cases are holding onto the containment when we sterilize them

Looking to change my career and go into the CSSD. Was hoping to get some info that is more locally based. Thanks in advance