Prepare surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team

​This standard covers the preparation of surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team.  This includes the preparation of the sterile trolley, surgical instruments and supplementary equipment.

You will be working in a 'scrubbed' role whilst undertaking these activities. 

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1.  access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. prepare and maintain sterile instrumentation and supplementary items in a designated preparation area to ensure asepsis
6. select and prepare the correct surgical instrumentation and supplementary items according to the clinical specialty, the anticipated requirements of the operative procedure, and the needs of the individual
7. check date controlled items and confirm them as being within their expiry date
8. safely handle, move and check surgical instrumentation and supplementary items in line with manufacturer's instructions, confirming them as safe and functioning correctly before preparing them ready for use
9. set up surgical equipment in line with manufacturer's instructions, and to meet the needs of the operative procedure and the individuals' plans of care
10. count and record instruments, needles, swabs and supplementary items in conjunction with a registered practitioner as the second authorised checker prior to commencement in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
11. prepare the surgical trolley, positioning surgical instrumentation and supplementary items in a way which facilitates their access and use, according to the anticipated sequence of the operative procedure
12. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
8. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
9. the role of regulatory bodies in relation to medical and healthcare products and regulations relating to medical devices
10. the application of standard precautions to the preparation of medical devices and surgical instruments and the potential consequences of poor practice
11. the difference between scrubbed and circulating roles
12. the principles of asepsis in relation to the preparation of surgical instruments and supplementary items
13. the types, purpose and function of surgical instruments and supplementary items in common use in the clinical specialties relevant to your practice
14. the requirements for, and suitability of, surgical instruments and supplementary items for the clinical specialties relevant to your practice
15. the factors to consider in selecting surgical instruments and supplementary items
16. the importance of adhering to manufacturers' instructions regarding the preparation of surgical instruments and supplementary items
17. the importance of checking and confirming that surgical instruments and supplementary items are in a suitable condition prior to use
18. the types of procedure carried out in **the clinical specialties relevant to your practice
19. the importance of following procedures for the tracking and traceability of surgical materials and instruments during preparation
20. the importance of checking and confirming that surgical instruments and supplementary items are in a suitable condition prior to use
21. the criteria and methods for checking the sterility of surgical instruments and supplementary items to be used
22. ways in which the sterile field can be compromised by those working outside it, and how this can be avoided
23. the specific lines of accountability within the surgical team
24. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHPCS14

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Perioperative, care, prepare, surgical, instrumentation, supplementary, team

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