Proper Surgical Instrument Handling: A Guide for Surgical Technologists

One of the main responsibilities of a surgical technologist is to hand surgical instruments to the surgeon. These instruments must be handled in a very specific way in order to ensure the safety of the surgical technologist, surgeon and patient. Practice, patience and skill are required to learn how to properly hand surgical instruments to a surgeon.

Instructions

• 1

  Ensure that the instruments are sterile and positioned properly. Also make sure you have properly scrubbed up for surgery and have used sterile technique to put on your gloves.

• 2

  Pick up the instrument that the doctor asks for with your dominant hand. Hold the middle of the instrument with a firm grip.

• 3

  Pass the instrument to the doctor. Ensure that you are handing the doctor the handle end of the instrument. Place it firmly in his hand.

• 4

  Wait for the doctor to finish using the instrument. When the doctor is finished, take back the instrument, place it in the appropriate spot, and wait for the doctor to request another instrument.