What should the CST do with soiled sponges at the surgical field?

In the surgical environment, it is crucial to maintain a sterile field and ensure proper waste management to prevent infection and ensure patient safety. The correct action for a certified surgical technologist (CST) in the handling of soiled sponges is to discard them into a kick bucket.

A kick bucket is specifically designed for the disposal of contaminated materials during surgery. By placing soiled sponges in this type of container, the CST ensures that biohazardous waste is managed appropriately, minimizing the risk of contamination in the operating room and protecting both the surgical team and the patient.

Reusing soiled sponges poses a risk of infection and is against standard sterile practices. Handing soiled sponges to the nurse is not the protocol, as it may lead to cross-contamination or confusion regarding the handling of waste. Disposing of them in the regular trash is also inappropriate since surgical waste requires specialized disposal methods to comply with health regulations and prevent environmental hazards. It is essential to follow established protocols for the safe disposal of surgical waste to uphold the standards of care in a surgical setting.