Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of the surgical scrub?

1. To prepare the patient for surgery

2. To disinfect instruments

3. To prevent contamination

4. To assist the surgeon

The correct answer is: To prevent contamination

The primary function of the surgical scrub is to prevent contamination. This crucial step in the surgical process involves thorough handwashing and the proper use of antiseptic agents to significantly reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the surgical site. The surgical scrub is designed to eliminate microorganisms from the skin surface, thereby protecting both the patient and the surgical team during the procedure. During the scrub, surgical technologists and team members follow strict protocols, which include scrubbing hands and forearms for a specified duration and using sterile water and surgical scrub solutions. This process is vital to maintaining a sterile environment, which is essential for successful surgical outcomes and minimizing the chance of infections. The other options, while related to the surgical process, do not capture the primary purpose of the surgical scrub. Preparing the patient for surgery and assisting the surgeon are important roles but are not the main focus of the scrub itself. Disinfecting instruments is also essential but occurs separately during instrument processing, not during the surgical scrub of the personnel. Thus, the emphasis on preventing contamination highlights the scrub's critical role in infection control within the operating room.