What should the CST do first when receiving a tissue specimen from the surgeon?

When receiving a tissue specimen from the surgeon, the first action a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) should take is to confirm the specimen. This step is crucial because it ensures that the specimen is accurately identified and corresponds to the procedure performed. Verifying the specimen helps prevent any potential mix-ups that could lead to significant consequences for the patient's diagnosis and treatment.

Confirming the specimen typically involves checking its physical characteristics and ensuring that it matches the surgeon’s verbal report or any accompanying information. This initial confirmation sets the foundation for subsequent actions, such as labeling and documentation, which are also important but come after ensuring the specimen's identity. By prioritizing confirmation, the CST plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the surgical process and patient safety.