What is the role of a CST in a surgical team?

The role of a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is primarily to assist the surgeon during surgical procedures and maintain a sterile environment. This involves preparing the operating room, ensuring all necessary instruments and supplies are ready, and providing the surgeon with the required tools during the operation. Maintaining the sterile field is crucial in preventing infection and ensuring patient safety. The CST also plays a key part in managing instruments, dressings, and equipment, and may help in counting instruments and ensuring that no items are left inside the patient.

The other roles mentioned, such as performing surgery, administering anesthesia, or monitoring patient vital signs, are typically not within the scope of practice for a CST. These responsibilities are generally handled by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff respectively, highlighting the specific focus of the CST’s role on surgical assistance and sterile technique.