Prepare and handle suture material.

Preparation and handling of suture material should include

• ensuring the correct suture material
• loading and passing the suture material in a timely manner to the correct member of the surgical team
• maintaining sterility
• adhering to safety principles
• ensuring suture needles are accounted for.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What are the physical differences between absorbable and nonabsorbable suture material? Between monofilament and multifilament suture material? What is the surgical function of each type of material?
• What is meant by suture gauge? Why is it essential to select the appropriate gauge for a given surgical procedure?
• What are the steps for maintaining the sterility of suture material?
• Why is it important for a surgical technologist to be knowledgeable about surgical sutures and suturing techniques?