HOSA Surgical Tech Event

What does CST stand for?

Certified Surgical Technologist

Who certifies surgical technologists?

NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting)

What organization supports CSTs professionally?

AST (Association of Surgical Technologists)

What is the main role of the surgical technologist?

Maintain the sterile field and assist during surgery

Name the principles of the AST Code of Ethics.

Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.

Hold in confidence, with respect to the patient’s beliefs, all personal matters.

Respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care.

Not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.

Work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care.

Always follow the principles of asepsis.

Maintain a high degree of efficiency through continuing education.

Maintain and practice surgical technology willingly, with pride and dignity.

Report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority.

Adhere to this Code of Ethics at all times in relationship to all members of the healthcare team.

What is the goal of the AST Code of Ethics?

To ensure professionalism and quality patient care

Who is part of the sterile surgical team?

Surgical technologist, surgeon, and first assistant

Who is part of the non-sterile surgical team?

Circulating nurse and anesthesia provider

What does NBSTSA stand for?

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting

Why is continuing education important for CSTs?

It maintains certification and professional competence

What is the main goal of surgical hand scrubbing?

To remove and reduce microorganisms on hands and arms

When should sterile gloving be performed?

After scrubbing and before touching sterile equipment

Why is patient positioning important?

To prevent injury and give best access to surgical site

What is the sterile field?

The area kept free from all microorganisms

What must be counted before surgery begins?

Instruments, sponges, and sharps

What is the purpose of draping?

To maintain a sterile area around the incision site

What is used to clean the patient’s skin before incision?

Antiseptic solution

What is the first step in setting up the sterile field?

Open sterile packages without contaminating them

What should the technologist do if a sterile item becomes contaminated?

Replace it immediately

What is a circulating nurse’s role during preparation?

Helps gather supplies and manage non-sterile tasks

What is the correct way to pass a scalpel?

Handle first, blade facing down and away

Why are surgical counts done?

To prevent items being left inside the patient

How are sutures passed to the surgeon?

Needle holder ready for immediate use

What should you do if sterile field is broken?

Notify the team and correct it immediately

Who is responsible for keeping the sterile field sterile?

The entire surgical team

When passing instruments, what should be maintained at all times?

Eye contact and anticipation of surgeon’s needs

What is a “neutral zone”?

A safe area to place sharps, avoiding hand-to-hand passing

Why is specimen handling important during surgery?

Ensures accurate diagnosis and patient safety

What is the purpose of suction during surgery?

Removes blood and fluids for visibility

What is hemostasis?

Stopping bleeding during surgery

What’s the first step after a procedure ends?

Break down the sterile field safely

How are instruments cleaned post-surgery?

Decontaminated, inspected, then sterilized

Why must specimens be labeled correctly?

To avoid diagnostic or treatment errors

What’s done during room turnover?

Cleaning, replacing linens, and restocking supplies

What is decontamination?

Removing gross contamination and bioburden

Why are sharps separated during cleanup?

To prevent injury

What should be done with soiled sponges?

Disposed of in biohazard containers

What is the final step before the next case?

Check equipment and restock supplies

Why is postoperative documentation important?

Ensures accountability and continuity of care

When does postoperative care begin?

As soon as the procedure ends

What’s one common ancillary duty?

Completing patient charts and documentation

Why is infection control important?

Prevents spread of disease between patients

What are specimen-handling guidelines?

Label immediately and handle carefully

What does “room turnover” mean?

Preparing the operating room for the next case

What documentation is the surgical technologist responsible for?

Instrument counts and specimen labels

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment

When should PPE be worn?

Whenever there’s risk of exposure to body fluids

What are the two main types of asepsis?

Medical asepsis and surgical asepsis

What does “universal precautions” mean?

Treat all body fluids as potentially infectious

Why is accuracy important in charting?

It’s a legal record of the procedure

What is the most common sterilization method?

Steam sterilization (autoclave)

What indicates a pack is sterilized?

Sterilization indicator tape color change

What is disinfection?

Killing most microorganisms (not spores)

What’s the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Sterilization kills all microbes and spores; disinfection does not

What is the ideal temperature for steam sterilization?

250–270°F (121–132°C)

What type of sterilization uses low temperatures for delicate items?

Gas or plasma sterilization

What should be done if a sterilization indicator fails?

Reprocess the instruments

Why is instrument inspection important before sterilization?

To ensure function and cleanliness

What is bioburden?

Microbial contamination on an instrument before cleaning

Why is drying important after sterilization?

Prevents contamination and corrosion

What organ is removed in a cholecystectomy?

Gallbladder

What organ is removed in an appendectomy?

Appendix

What does “anterior” mean?

Toward the front of the body

What does “proximal” mean?

Closer to the body’s center or point of attachment

What body system includes the heart and blood vessels?

Circulatory system

What organ is part of the endocrine system?

Thyroid gland

What is the largest organ in the body?

Skin

What is the function of the respiratory system?

Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide

What cavity contains the stomach and intestines?

Abdominal cavity

What is the purpose of the skeletal system?

Support, movement, and protection