What it means
An allied health professional trained in surgical technology. Working in the scrub role, the surgical technologist sets up the sterile tables, prepares instruments and supplies, passes instruments to the surgeon, keeps the field sterile, and does the counts of sponges, sharps and instruments with the circulating nurse. Many hold the CST credential (Certified Surgical Technologist) from the NBSTSA.
For the nurse
The circulating registered nurse and the surgical technologist count together before the procedure, before closure and at the end; a count that does not match is reported to the surgeon at once.
At a glance
| Also written | surgical technologists, surgical tech, scrub tech |
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Related terms
radiopaque
Blocking x-rays, so the material shows up white on an x-ray image.
retractor
A surgical instrument that holds back tissue or organs so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site.
hemostat
A clamp with finger rings and a locking ratchet used in surgery to grasp and close off bleeding vessels.
Mayo stand
A small tray on an adjustable stand placed over or beside the patient during surgery to hold the instruments used most often.