Surgical Technology

Scrub surgical technologists handle the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. They have an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. They have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and are constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Duties are as follows:

• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure
• Scrubs, gowns and gloves
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure
• Performs appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation and before incision is closed
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants
• Helps in draping sterile field
• Passes instruments and materials to surgeon during procedure
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure
• Prepares sterile dressings
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization
• Assists other members of team with terminal cleaning of room
• Assists in prepping room for the next patient

In the United States, surgical technologists are unlicensed assistive personnel who work under the supervision of a surgeon, registered nurse (RN), or other surgical personnel (such as a more senior technologists) to help ensure that the operating room or environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. They handle the instruments, scrubs, medications and other supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure.

Photo: Surgical technologists assists Marquette General Hospital neurosurgeon Dr. Rich Rovin during surgery.  (Photo courtesy of Dr. Rovin)