TL;DR

Microbiology for Surgical Technology: Microorganisms relevant to surgery: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Microbiology for Surgical Technology

Definition

Microorganisms relevant to surgery: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions.

Overview

Microorganisms relevant to surgery: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions. Chain of infection and sterilization principles tested on CST exam.

Related instrumentation: Mosquito clamp (Clamping) for Hemostasis on small vessels, fully serrated, delicate.

Common Errors

Surgical technology errors related to microbiology for surgical technology include:

Breaking sterile technique without recognizing the breach
Incorrect count procedures: closing counts: first closing count (deep layers), second closing count (skin closure)
Passing instruments improperly. Always pass handles first, sharp-end protected
Failing to communicate equipment needs before the procedure begins

Troubleshooting

When microbiology for surgical technology does not go as expected, systematically review each step of the procedure. Check equipment calibration, verify technique, and repeat the measurement if results seem inconsistent with the clinical picture. Report discrepancies to the supervisor rather than guessing at the correct value.

Safety Considerations

Maintaining safety during procedures involving microbiology for surgical technology requires adherence to sterile technique:

Sterile drapes are placed from the operative site outward (near to far)
Moisture strikes through: wet drapes are contaminated, use impervious drapes and keep the field dry
Movement around the sterile field must not cause air currents, no reaching over the field, no turning back to the field
Edges of anything that encloses sterile contents are considered unsterile (1-inch border)

Professional Standards

Professional standards for microbiology for surgical technology include adherence to AST (Association of Surgical Technologists) guidelines:

Sterrad (H2O2 plasma): Low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. Parameters: 104-131 F, 28-75 min cycle. For heat-sensitive electronics, scopes. No cellulose/linen
Steam (autoclave): Saturated steam under pressure. Parameters: Gravity: 250 F (121 C) x 30 min. Prevacuum: 270 F (132 C) x 4 min. Flash: 270 F x 3 min (unwrapped)

Why It Matters

Chain of infection and sterilization principles tested on CST exam.

Practice This Topic

Practice cst sci micro → CST SURGICAL TECH

Ready to practice for the CST SURGICAL TECH?

Adaptive practice powered by Item Response Theory targets your weak areas. Start with 3 free sessions.

Start free practice →

Frequently Asked Questions

What sterile technique rules apply to microbiology for surgical technology?▼

For microbiology for surgical technology: Only sterile items may be placed on a sterile field. Movement around the sterile field must not cause air currents, no reaching over the field, no turning back to the field. Edges of anything that encloses sterile contents are considered unsterile (1-inch border).

What is the counting procedure for microbiology for surgical technology?▼

For microbiology for surgical technology: Add-on items must be counted when added and at subsequent count times. Sharps counted on a needle counter/magnet, broken needles: account for all pieces. Initial count performed before incision: sponges, sharps, instruments, miscellaneous.

What instruments are used for microbiology for surgical technology?▼

For microbiology for surgical technology: Allis clamp (Grasping): Grasping tissue without crushing (bowel, fascia), traumatic teeth. Army-Navy retractor (Retraction): Shallow wound retraction, handheld, double-ended. Needle holder (Suturing): Holds suture needles, tungsten carbide inserts for grip, box lock mechanism.