Physical Environment and Safety Standards

Transported or spread by air; the surgical technologist is primarily concerned with airborne bacteria

Large movable table that is covered with a sterile drape for placement of sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment for surgical procedures

Points in the operating table that indicate where a section can be moved up or down

Room that typically contains sinks for gross decontamination, an ultrasonic washer, and a washer-sterilizer to decontaminate instruments and equipment

Mechanical device that produces an electric current that is converted into thermal energy (heat) for the purpose of cutting or coagulating tissue

Filter that is capable of removing bacteria as small as 0.5–5 mm; utilized in the operating room to aid in preventing the patient from acquiring a postoperative wound infection

Process by which energy either directly or indirectly induces ionization of radiation-absorbing material or tissues; X-rays

The unidirectional positive-pressure flow of air that captures microbes to be filtered

Four-wheeled stand that can be lined with a biohazardous-marked bag for the collection of nondisposable linen during a surgical procedure

Small portable stand with a tray on top that is covered with a sterile drape and on which the instruments, equipment, and supplies that are most frequently used for the surgical procedure are placed; it is most often positioned over the patient’s legs

Federal organization that is dedicated to protecting the health of workers by establishing standards that address issues related to safety in the workplace

The department responsible for testing and processing specimens, tissues, and body fluids to obtain a diagnosis

The individual responsible for running and maintaining the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during open heart procedures

Attire worn to protect against exposure to physical and biological hazards

Smoke produced by laser or electrocautery that has been shown to contain biological material

A chemical compound composed of a mixture of liquid and powder used for cementing prostheses during total joint arthroplasties; also referred to as bone cement

Area where immediate postoperative care of the patient takes place before transfer to the hospital room or ICU

Prevention of a disease or condition

The areas of an operating department (including the sterile storage areas of the surgery department) that require proper OR attire, including the wearing of a mask

A stand that is designed with one or two circular bands at the top to hold sterile basins

Guidelines established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the risk of disease transmission from blood and body fluids

A wall or ceiling connection for a suction device

An infection of the surgical wound that was acquired during the course of the surgical procedure