What tasks does a Surgical Technologist (CST) perform during surgeries?

A Surgical Technologist, or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), plays a critical role in the operating room. This professional is primarily responsible for setting up the operating room, ensuring that all necessary instruments and equipment are sterile and ready for use before the procedure begins. During surgeries, the CST assists the surgical team by handing instruments to the surgeon, maintaining a sterile field, and possibly helping with suturing or managing counts of surgical instruments and supplies to prevent any items from being left inside the patient.

The tasks performed by a CST are integral to the efficiency and safety of surgical procedures. Their training emphasizes knowledge of surgical instruments, aseptic technique, and understanding of surgical procedures, contributing significantly to patient outcomes and the effectiveness of the surgical team.