What is the first action a CST should take immediately after breaking scrub?

The first action a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) should take immediately after breaking scrub is to perform hand washing. This step is crucial for maintaining proper aseptic technique and minimizing the risk of infection. Hand hygiene is the most important measure in preventing healthcare-associated infections, especially after a procedure where the CST has been in a sterile environment.

After breaking scrub, the hands are exposed to non-sterile surfaces, and washing them thoroughly ensures that any contaminants or pathogens are removed before the CST interacts with the non-sterile environment or personnel. While other actions, such as disposing of gloves or changing into new scrubs, are important in the overall workflow and infection control strategy, hand washing is prioritized as the first immediate action to ensure safety and hygiene standards are upheld.