What should the CST do just prior to wound closure?

Prior to wound closure, it is crucial for the surgical team to ensure that the operative site is free of any instruments and materials that could potentially cause complications. Removing all instruments from the operative site is a critical step, as it prepares the area for closure and minimizes the risk of leaving behind any foreign objects. This practice is aligned with maintaining a sterile field and ensuring patient safety.

While documenting procedures, performing a final sterile count, and notifying the surgeon of any abnormalities are all important aspects of surgical protocol, they either occur at different times during the procedure or focus on aspects other than the immediate readiness of the surgical site for closure. The final sterile count, for example, typically occurs just before closing the incision, but it is the act of physically removing instruments that directly relates to preparing the surgical site for closure.