Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What routine preoperative laboratory study would be ordered for premenopausal women with no history of hysterectomy?

1. HCG

2. HBV

3. HIV

4. HDL

The correct answer is: HCG

For premenopausal women who have not undergone a hysterectomy, a routine preoperative laboratory study that is commonly ordered is a human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test. This is primarily because HCG is a hormone that indicates pregnancy. In women who are of childbearing age, it is crucial to determine whether they are pregnant before undergoing any surgical procedures, as anesthesia and certain surgical interventions can pose risks to the developing fetus. By testing for HCG, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the timing and necessity of surgery, ensuring the safety of the patient. Performing this test is a standard precautionary measure aimed at preventing potential complications that could arise during the surgical process if the patient is pregnant. Other laboratory tests, such as those for HBV, HIV, and HDL, while important in their own rights, do not directly address the immediate concern of pregnancy in premenopausal women. HBV (Hepatitis B virus) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing may be part of a broader evaluation for infectious diseases, and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) testing is related to cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health, but they do not specifically assess the pregnancy status, which is the priority in