The Duties of an Operating Room Tech

Operating room techs or technicians are part of the surgical team in an operating room, working alongside physicians and nurses. They are sometimes called surgical technicians or scrubs. Operating room technicians perform a variety of duties before, during and following surgical procedures.

Pre-Operation Set-Up

Operating techs prepare the operating room for surgical procedures by laying out instruments, hanging curtains and ensuring that any necessary equipment is in place.

Patient Prep

The operating tech prepares patients for surgery, which usually involves washing and shaving any area that will be incised as a part of the procedure. They also wheel the patient to the operating room and help him get settled on the table.

Other Pre-Surgical Duties

Operating techs check the vital signs of a patient, review her medical charts, and help the surgical team wash their hands and don gloves.

Surgical Duties

Operating techs pass instruments to the surgeon and assist the team as needed. If a specimen or biopsy is being completed, the tech is in charge of seeing it safely contained and transported to the laboratory.

Post-Procedure Duties

Operating techs may see patients to the recovery room or back to their rooms following the procedure. They are responsible for cleaning the operating room and sterilizing instruments and equipment.

Resources

• Association of Surgical Technologists