What must the CST do before opening sterile supplies?

Before opening sterile supplies, the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) must inspect the outer package for tears. This step is critical because damage to the packaging could compromise the sterility of the contents. If the outer package is torn or wet, it indicates that the sterility may be compromised, and using those supplies could lead to infection risks during the surgical procedure.

Ensuring that the packaging is intact allows the CST to confidently proceed with opening and using the supplies, thereby maintaining the aseptic environment required for surgical procedures. Proper inspection is a fundamental part of ensuring patient safety and effective surgical outcomes.