Sponge Scale
Gram Scale · Sponge Weighing Scale · Lap Sponge Scale · Scale
A digital gram scale with a stainless steel pan or bowl on a base with a display and a tare (zero) button.
On the table
What it does, the lengths it comes in and what experienced techs know about it.
What it’s for
Used by the circulator to weigh bloody sponges so blood loss can be estimated more accurately than by looking. The dry weight of the sponges and the bag is subtracted, and grams are counted as milliliters (1 g = 1 mL). The result is reported to the anesthesia provideran-us-THEE-zhuh pruh-VY-derThe licensed professional who gives anesthesia and watches over the client's breathing and vital functions during a procedure.Full entry to guide fluid and blood replacement. Pulled for cases with heavy expected blood loss, infants, trauma, transplant and other critical patients.
Lengths and variants
Some rooms use two scales: one for Raytec sponges and one for lap pads. Scales are also used to weigh tissue specimens.
What experienced techs know
What techs who reach for it every day know about it.Pro
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5 sources
- Rothrock JC. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 5 (Anesthesia), p. 133
- Rothrock JC. Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. 17th ed. Chapter 22 (Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), p. 849
- Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 16 (Abdominal Extraintestinal Surgery), p. 162
- Goldman MA. Pocket Guide to the Operating Room. 3rd ed. Chapter 21 (Vascular Surgery), p. 509
- Frey KB (AST). Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist. 4th ed. Chapter 8 (Hemostasis, Emergency Situations, and All-Hazards Preparation), p. 180
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