Surgical Tech Practice Exam

What is the recommended procedure for separating delicate instruments at the end of a surgical case?

1. Dump them together in one basin

2. Place them in their original container

3. Store them in a separate sterile bag

4. Soak them in a disinfectant solution

The correct answer is: Place them in their original container

The recommended procedure for separating delicate instruments at the end of a surgical case is to place them in their original container. This method helps safeguard the integrity of the instruments by minimizing the risk of damage during transport and storage. Original containers are designed to accommodate the specific shape and design of the instruments, preventing them from clashing with one another and reducing the likelihood of wear or breakage. Additionally, using the original container assures that the instruments remain organized and easily identifiable, which is crucial for both efficiency in the sterile processing area and for maintaining the sterilization process until the instruments are needed again. While it may be tempting to dump instruments together in one basin for convenience, this can lead to damage or contamination. Storing them in a separate sterile bag could be acceptable, but it usually does not provide the same level of protection that the original container does. Soaking instruments in a disinfectant solution is typically reserved for cleaning purposes rather than storage, and it may not be practical for delicate instruments that require special handling. Thus, utilizing the original container is the best practice for ensuring the care and longevity of delicate surgical instruments.