What item should a CST have on the sterile field for surgeries that involve potential blood loss?

In surgeries where there is a potential for significant blood loss, having Gelfoam on the sterile field is particularly advantageous because it is a hemostatic agent used to promote clotting. Gelfoam is a gelatin-based sponge that can be applied to bleeding surfaces to help control hemorrhage by providing a matrix for platelet aggregation and promoting the formation of a stable clot.

Intraoperatively, managing blood loss effectively is crucial, and Gelfoam can be directly applied to areas where bleeding occurs, making it an essential item for surgical teams facing high-risk scenarios. Its absorbent nature and ability to expand in the presence of blood enhance its effectiveness in achieving hemostasis.

While hemostatic clamps, scissors, and a suction device are also important surgical instruments, they serve different purposes. Hemostatic clamps are used to occlude blood vessels, scissors cut tissues, and suction devices remove blood and other fluids from the operative field. However, Gelfoam specifically addresses the need for direct intervention on bleeding surfaces, making it the optimal choice for the situation described.