Title: Prepare and handle suture material.
Course: Surgical Technologist II (14056--II) > Section: Demonstrating Intraoperative Procedures

Preparation and handling of suture material should include

- ensuring the correct suture material
- loading and passing the suture material in a timely manner to the correct member of the surgical team
- maintaining sterility
- adhering to safety principles
- ensuring suture needles are accounted for.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are the physical differences between absorbable and nonabsorbable suture material? Between monofilament and multifilament suture material? What is the surgical function of each type of material?
- What is meant by suture gauge? Why is it essential to select the appropriate gauge for a given surgical procedure?
- What are the steps for maintaining the sterility of suture material?
- Why is it important for a surgical technologist to be knowledgeable about surgical sutures and suturing techniques?