Documentation/CSSD (Sterile Processing)
Module guide · Clinical
CSSD (Sterile Processing)
Central Sterile Processing cleans, sterilizes, and tracks the reusable instrument sets that go into surgery, from the shelf, through the autoclave, to the OR, and back again.
What this module is for
An “instrument set” (or tray) is a pre-packed collection of surgical tools, e.g. a laparoscopic set, sterilized as one unit before it can be used. This module is the full paper trail for every set: where it is, what sterilization run it went through, and who used it.
Who uses it
Sterile processing technicians register sets, run and record sterilization cycles, and process returns. Nurses and OR staff check sets out for a case. Safety officers review failures and overdue loaners.
Where to find it
Open CSSD (Sterile Processing) from the sidebar. Four screens: a dashboard, the instrument set registry, sterilization cycles, and usage & returns.
- 1
Register
A new instrument set is added to the registry with a code, name, type, and home department.
- 2
Sterilize
The set is loaded into a sterilization cycle; a biological indicator (BI) test proves the run actually killed everything.
- 3
Use
Once Available, the set is checked out to an OR case or department, with an expected return window.
- 4
Return
Coming back always sets the set to Dirty, it must go through decontamination and a fresh cycle before it's available again.
CSSD dashboard
A snapshot of how many sets are in each state, today's cycle count, and two safety alerts.
Stat tiles
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Available / Sterile | Sets ready to use. |
| In Sterilization | Sets currently loaded into a cycle. |
| In Use | Sets checked out to a case or department. |
| Dirty | Sets returned and awaiting reprocessing. |
| Cycles Today | Total sterilization cycles started today, of any status. |
Failed cycles alert
Appears if any of today's cycles failed: "N sterilization cycle(s) failed today — affected sets may require recall."
Overdue loaners alert
Appears if any checked-out set has been out more than 24 hours without being returned.
Three cards link straight to Instrument Sets, Sterilization Cycles, and Usage & Returns.
Instrument sets
The registry of every reusable sterile set the hospital owns or borrows.
Filters
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Status | All, Available, In Sterilization, In Use, or Dirty. |
| Department | Search and filter by the owning department. |
Table columns: set code, name, type, department, item count, status (click to change it), a truck icon for loaner sets, and location code.
"Register Instrument Set" form
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Set Code* | e.g. "CSSD-LAPC-002". |
| Set Name* | |
| Type | Surgical, Obstetric, Vascular, Thoracic, Endoscopy, Orthopedic, or General. |
| Department Owner | Optional, searchable department picker. |
| Item Count | How many instruments are in the set. |
| Location Code | Shelf/storage location, e.g. "CSSD-SHELF-A1". |
| Supplier Name | If applicable. |
| Loaner set (supplier-owned) | Checkbox, flags a set as temporarily borrowed equipment, shown with a truck icon in the registry. |
| Notes | Optional. |
Status can be changed manually at any time
Available / Sterile — ready to be checked out
In Sterilization Cycle — currently being processed
In Use — checked out to a case or department
Dirty — Needs Reprocessing — returned, must be cleaned and re-sterilized
Sterilization cycles
Where a sterilizer run (a “cycle”) is started, loaded with sets, and closed out with pass/fail results. Shows today's cycles only.
A few terms
"Start Sterilization Cycle" form
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Cycle Number* | e.g. "CYC-2026-0142". |
| Method* | Steam Autoclave, EtO, Hydrogen Peroxide, High-Level Disinfection, or Dry Heat. |
| Operator* | Searchable staff picker. |
| Machine ID / Temp (°C) / Pressure / Exposure (min) | Optional run parameters. |
| Expiration Date | The shelf-life expiry to assign to sets once sterilized. |
Open a cycle to Add Available Sets to it (a checklist of currently-Available sets), then either Complete Cycle (record Pass/Fail for both the biological and chemical indicator) or Fail Cycle directly with a required reason.
A failed biological indicator fails the whole load
In Progress — cycle running, no result yet
Pass — both indicators passed
Fail — BI failed, or marked failed directly
Usage & returns
Tracks sets once they're checked out, links each one to an OR case or department, and flags anything overdue.
"Check Out Instrument Set" form
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Available Set* | Pick from a list of currently-Available sets. |
| OR Case / Reference | Optional, e.g. "OR-2026-0417". |
| Used By Department | Optional, searchable. |
| Expected return | 4h, 8h, 12h, 24h, or 48h. Defaults to 24h. |
"Record Return" form
| Field | What it means |
|---|---|
| Return Condition | Good, Damaged, Incomplete — missing item(s), or Contaminated / bio-hazard. Defaults Good. |
| Returned By* | Searchable staff picker. |
| Notes | Optional. |
Returning a set always marks it Dirty
A row is flagged Overdue once it passes its expected-return window (or 24 hours if none was set), with a tooltip showing when it was expected back.
Good practices
Link sets to their cycle before running it
Chase down overdue loaners promptly
Don't try to shortcut a returned set back to Available