What should the CST do once the procedure is completed?

Once the procedure is completed, maintaining a sterile field until the patient is removed from the room is crucial for several reasons. This practice helps to minimize the risk of infection during the transfer of the patient to the recovery area or during any post-operative interventions that might still be needed immediately after the surgery. It ensures that the sterile environment is preserved as long as the patient is present, which is particularly important if any additional care or procedures are required immediately following the main surgical intervention.

Other actions, such as documenting the surgery or beginning to clean the operating room, typically occur after the patient has been transferred safely and the sterile field can be compromised. Removing sterile instruments before the patient is out of the room can also expose the surgical area to potential contamination. Therefore, maintaining the sterile field until the patient is removed is the best practice to ensure patient safety and care quality.