Course Code: REL-ACU-0-IPMPO
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2027
Learning Objectives:
Describe the stages of instrument decontamination and processing.
Discuss techniques and guidelines for proper instrument care and handling.
Identify best practices for quality control and sterility preservation.
Outline:
Section 1: Decontamination and Assembly
Instrument
Instrument Processing 101
First Stage of Decontamination
Decontamination Area
Assembly Area
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection
Sterilization
Low-Temperature Sterilization
Disinfection
Low-Level and Intermediate-Level Disinfectants
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Quality Control
Sterility Assurance
Sterile Storage
Preserving the Instrument Lifecycle
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
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.
Instructor: Brian C Sheridan, CST
Brian is an accomplished certified surgical technologist with over 20 years of experience. He graduated cum laude on the Dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement with a certificate in Surgical Technology from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. He is well-versed in a variety of specialties including multi-surgeon complex cancer cases. As a preceptor, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with new surgical technologists and nurses, teaching them the fundamentals of the scrub role. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Nursing Personnel; Surgical 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.