What is the first item the CST will hand off to the surgeon prior to the start of surgery?

The first item that the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) hands off to the surgeon before the surgery begins is the surgical drapes. Draping is a critical step in the surgical process, as it serves to create a sterile field around the surgical site. This is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring a sterile environment for the procedure. The surgical drapes help to maintain patient safety and are usually positioned and secured before any instruments or tools, such as scalpels or clamps, are used.

Proper draping is fundamental to establishing a safe and sterile environment, which is crucial for the success of the surgery. Once the draping is completed and the sterile field is set up, the surgeon can then access the necessary instruments needed for the procedure, including the scalpel, towels, and clamps, which are used later in the surgery. This emphasizes the importance of the order in which items are handed off and highlights the structured approach to maintaining sterility throughout the surgical process.