Figure 3-25. Performing the sponge count.
(10) Lap sponges (sponges with a loop of twilled taped sewed on one
corner) are unfolded as they are counted and placed on the back table.
(11) Stick sponges (small gauze sponges used with a forceps) are placed in
an empty emesis basin and placed on the back table.
(12) After the sponge count is completed, place a few of the appropriate
sponges on the Mayo tray for the initial incision.
3-21.
SUTURE PREPARATION
a. Just as the physician's preference card is checked for the instruments he
requires for the surgical procedure, the surgeon's preference card is checked by the
scrub and circulator for the right kind of sutures for the procedure. A suture is a strand
of material used to tie blood vessels and to sew tissues together. As a verb, to suture is
the act of sewing or bringing together. A variety of sizes, strengths, and materials are
used in surgical procedures. Sutures come in sterilized prepacked foil or plastic
packets. Surgical gut, nylon, silk, stainless steel, and cotton are just a few examples of
the material used in suture. The more zeros in the number, the smaller the size of the
strand of suture. The surgeon's preference card will tell you the type and size suture
you will need for the procedure.
MD0935
3-23