A surgical technologist is discussing a patient's surgical procedure in the hospital cafeteria with a colleague. This is a violation of:

HIPAA. Discussing patient information in public areas (cafeteria, elevators, hallways) is a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). HIPAA requires that Protected Health Information be kept confidential and only discussed in private settings with individuals who have a need to know for patient care.

The surgeon preference card is used to:

List the surgeon's preferred instruments, sutures, and supplies for a specific procedure. The surgeon preference card lists the specific instruments, sutures, supplies, equipment, and other items the surgeon prefers for each type of procedure they perform. It is used by the surgical technologist and SPD to prepare the case cart and set up the operating room according to the surgeon's preferences.

After a needlestick injury in the OR, what is the FIRST action the surgical technologist should take?

Wash the wound site immediately with soap and water. After a needlestick injury, the FIRST action is to wash the wound site immediately with soap and water (or flush mucous membranes with water if exposure was via splash). Then report to the supervisor, seek medical evaluation, and complete an incident report per OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.

The FIFO principle in supply management stands for:

First In, First Out. FIFO (First In, First Out) means that supplies received first are used first. This ensures proper stock rotation, prevents expiration of older items, and maintains quality. Newer supplies are placed behind older supplies on the shelf.

Which organization sets the National Patient Safety Goals that hospitals must follow?

The Joint Commission (TJC). The Joint Commission (TJC) sets the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs), which are specific safety requirements that accredited healthcare organizations must implement. These include improving patient identification accuracy, improving communication, reducing healthcare-associated infections, and preventing wrong-site surgery.

Key Takeaways

The surgical technologist may assist with OR scheduling, case cart preparation, and supply management
The AST (Association of Surgical Technologists) Code of Ethics guides professional conduct
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects patient health information
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulates workplace safety including bloodborne pathogen standards
The Joint Commission (TJC) accredits healthcare organizations and enforces National Patient Safety Goals
Professional development includes maintaining 30 CE credits every 2 years for CST renewal
Scope of practice defines what the surgical technologist can and cannot do — varies by state
Effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution are essential interprofessional skills

Administrative & Personnel Duties

The CST exam includes questions on administrative responsibilities, regulatory compliance, professional ethics, and interpersonal skills (9 scored questions, 6% of the exam).

Key Regulatory Bodies

Organization	Abbreviation	Role
Association of Surgical Technologists	AST	Professional membership organization; Code of Ethics; educational standards
NBSTSA	NBSTSA	Certifying body for CST and CSFA exams
CAAHEP	CAAHEP	Accredits surgical technology educational programs
Joint Commission	TJC	Accredits healthcare organizations; sets National Patient Safety Goals
OSHA	OSHA	Regulates workplace safety; bloodborne pathogen standards
HIPAA	HIPAA	Protects patient health information (PHI) privacy
AORN	AORN	Association of periOperative Registered Nurses; publishes OR guidelines
CDC	CDC	Infection prevention guidelines; Standard Precautions

HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA protects Protected Health Information (PHI):

PHI includes any information that identifies a patient AND relates to their health condition, treatment, or payment
Do NOT discuss patient information in public areas (cafeteria, elevator, hallways)
Do NOT photograph surgical cases or patients without explicit written consent
Do NOT access records of patients you are not caring for
Minimum Necessary Rule: Access only the PHI you need to perform your job
Violations can result in fines, termination, and criminal prosecution

OSHA Standards

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Standard Precautions apply to ALL patients regardless of diagnosis
PPE: Gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection for any potential exposure to blood/body fluids
Sharps disposal: Puncture-resistant containers at point of use
Needlestick protocol: Wash immediately, report to supervisor, seek medical evaluation, fill out incident report
Hepatitis B vaccination: Offered free to all at-risk employees

Other OSHA Requirements

Hazardous chemical communication (HazCom): Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals
Fire safety: Know extinguisher locations and evacuation routes
Ergonomics: Proper body mechanics when moving patients and equipment
Laser safety: Designated Laser Safety Officer; appropriate eyewear for specific wavelength

Professional Ethics (AST Code of Ethics)

Key principles:

Patient safety is the first priority
Maintain competency through continuing education
Respect patient confidentiality and dignity
Practice within the scope of practice defined by law
Report unsafe practices or conditions
Do not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other factors
Collaborate respectfully with all members of the surgical team

OR Scheduling & Supply Management

Case Cart System

The case cart contains all supplies needed for a specific surgical case
Picked by SPD (Sterile Processing Department) or materials management based on the surgeon preference card
The surgeon preference card lists the surgeon's preferred instruments, sutures, equipment, and supplies for each procedure
The surgical technologist should verify the case cart against the preference card before the case

Par Level System

Supplies are maintained at a par level (minimum stock level)
When stock drops below par, items are reordered
The surgical technologist may assist with inventory counts and stock rotation (FIFO: First In, First Out)

CST Certified Surgical Technologist Exam

1Introduction: CST Exam Overview

2Chapter 1: Perioperative Care — Preoperative Preparation

3Chapter 2: Perioperative Care — Intraoperative Procedures

4Chapter 3: Postoperative Procedures & Ancillary Duties

5Chapter 4: Basic Science

6Chapter 5: Exam Strategy & Practice