1. Prepares the operating room and sterile field for surgical procedures, including setting up surgical supplies, instruments and equipment using sterile technique and ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely,
2. Assists healthcare professional in receiving, labelling and verifying sterile solutions and medications to be administered during surgery according to established protocol; may assist anesthesia personnel.
3. Verifies patient's identity, correct surgical site, and correct surgical procedure.
4. Assists in moving and positioning patient for surgery; adheres to established safety guidelines.
5. Assists surgeon throughout the operative procedure, including anticipating instrument needs. Responsible for handling instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeon; maintains accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments in preoperative setting.
6. Properly cares for, and handles specimens taken for laboratory analysis.