Surgical technologists prepare for and assist with surgical procedures.

Surgical technologists are also called operating room technicians or scrubs. They work under the supervision of surgeons and nurses.

Before surgery, technologists help set up the operating room. They wash and sterilize instruments. They also make sure there are enough supplies for the procedure. They set up, adjust, and check non-sterile equipment to be sure it works properly.

Surgical technologists prepare patients for surgery. They transport patients to the operating room. They help position patients on the table and cover them with surgical drapes. They also observe patients' vital signs.

Technologists help the surgical team scrub and put on gloves, gowns, and masks. During surgery, technologists pass instruments and supplies to surgeons and their assistants. They hold retractors (instruments that hold back the edges of a wound) or cut sutures (stitches). They may also help apply dressings to patients' incisions.

During surgery, technologists may have other tasks, such as:

• Maintain supplies of fluid, such as blood or saline
• Operate equipment, such as lights or suction machines
• Prepare and care for specimens taken for lab analysis.

After surgery, technologists help transfer patients to the recovery room. They clean and restock the operating room for the next procedure.