They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and may help apply dressings. They may operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment. Technologists may also maintain supplies of fluids, such as plasma and blood. After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments.
They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. Most surgical technologists work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. Employment Surgical technologists held about 49,000 jobs in 1996. Most are employed by hospitals, mainly in operating and delivery rooms.