How to Be Surgical Instrument Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 12, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Surgical Instrument Technicians (SITs) play an important role in the operating room by ensuring that surgical instruments and equipment are properly maintained, sterilized, and ready for use. Their expertise is essential to the success of any procedure as they are responsible for the cleaning, repair, and proper handling of surgical instruments and devices. The consequences of not having a SIT can be serious and costly, as it can lead to infection or improper instrumentation, which can cause costly delays and may potentially put patient safety at risk. SITs are an essential part of the OR team and their expertise is invaluable to the successful completion of any procedure.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. A high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite for becoming a surgical instrument technician.
Complete a Postsecondary Education Program. Prospective surgical instrument technicians should complete an accredited educational program that results in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Obtain Certification. In many states, certification is not required to become a surgical instrument technician; however, it can be beneficial in terms of obtaining employment and salary.
Participate in On-the-Job Training. After completing an educational program and obtaining certification (if applicable), individuals may be asked to participate in on-the-job training.
Maintain Certification. Those that are certified may need to renew their certification every few years in order to remain current.

In order to be proficient and up-to-date as a Surgical Instrument Technician, it is essential to stay informed on the latest techniques and tools. This can be achieved by attending regular seminars and workshops, reading relevant industry publications, and networking with other professionals in the field. it is important to keep abreast of changes in technology and equipment, as well as any new regulations or laws that may impact the profession.

Lastly, regular practice and hands-on experience are necessary to ensure that the skills needed to be a successful Surgical Instrument Technician remain sharp and current. By taking these steps, a Surgical Instrument Technician can stay informed, capable, and prepared for any situation that may arise.

You may want to check Surgical Physician Assistant, Surgical Resident, and Surgical Services Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment in a sterile state.
Operate steam and gas sterilizers to sterilize instruments and equipment.
Prepare surgical packs with proper instruments and supplies for the scrub nurse.
Perform quality assurance on all instruments, supplies, and equipment.
Monitor and restock supplies as needed.
Report any defective or malfunctioning instruments to the appropriate personnel.
Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Follow all safety protocols in the handling of sharp instruments and hazardous materials.
Observe proper infection control procedures.
Assist in the training of new staff members.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology related to surgical equipment and instruments.
Ability to assemble, disassemble and sterilize surgical instruments according to established protocols.
Ability to identify instruments and equipment used in a variety of surgical procedures.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair surgical instruments and equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate records of inventory, sterilization and repairs.
Ability to adjust and align components for proper functioning of the instrument.
Knowledge of infection control guidelines and regulations related to sterile processing.
Ability to inspect and evaluate instruments for wear, damage and functionality.
Ability to adhere to safety protocols in operating and handling surgical instruments.
Knowledge of materials used in the construction of medical instruments and equipment.

Good surgical instrument technicians must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful in the field. A keen attention to detail is essential for ensuring the accuracy and precision of a procedure. Instrument technicians must be able to thoroughly inspect, identify, and repair any tools or equipment for any issues before being used in the operating room, preventing mistakes that could have serious consequences.

an understanding of sterilization techniques and processes is also necessary to ensure that all instruments are properly disinfected before use. Lastly, communication skills are also important as instrument technicians must be able to effectively communicate with surgeons and other medical staff to ensure that they have the correct tools and equipment available when needed. All of these skills are necessary for a successful career in surgical instrument technology.

Surgical Technologist Supervisor, Surgical Assistant, and Surgical Robotics Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with surgical instruments?
How do you ensure that surgical instruments are cleaned and sterilized properly?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with a surgical instrument.
What methods do you use to stay up-to-date on new instrumentation technology?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling sharp instruments?
How would you handle a situation where a surgeon requests an instrument that is not available?
How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple requests at once?
Describe how you would handle a situation where a patient is allergic to the cleaning solution or materials used for an instrument?
What steps do you take to guarantee sterility of surgical equipment?
How do you communicate with other healthcare professionals when working with surgical instruments?

Common Tools in Industry

Forceps. A surgical instrument used to grasp and hold tissue. (eg: Adson forceps)
Scalpel. A small, sharp knife used for surgery. (eg: Stanley scalpel)
Needle holder. A device used to hold and manipulate suturing needles. (eg: Mayo-Hegar needle holder)
Retractor. A device used to separate and hold back tissues during surgery. (eg: Balfour retractor)
Dissector. A tool used to cut and separate tissue. (eg: Bovie dissector)
Suction Tube. A device used to remove fluid and debris from an operative site. (eg: DeBakey suction tube)
Clamp. A device used to hold tissue in place during surgery. (eg: Heaney clamp)
Osteotome. A tool used to cut bone during surgery. (eg: Gigli saw)
Scissors. A device used to cut tissue during surgery. (eg: Metzenbaum scissors)
Drill. A tool used to make holes in bone during surgery. (eg: Stryker drill)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
International Association of Surgical Technologists (IAST)
Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS)
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

We also have Surgical First Assistant, Surgical ICU Nurse, and Surgical Technologist Lead jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Autoclave. A device used to sterilize instruments and equipment in the operating room.
Sterilization. The process of killing all microorganisms on a surface or in a material, such as surgical instruments.
Surgical Instruments. Tools used for performing medical procedures, such as forceps, scalpels, scissors, and needles.
Operating Room. A room in a hospital or other medical facility where surgical procedures are performed.
Cauterization. The burning of tissue to stop bleeding or promote healing.
Disinfection. The process of killing or removing most pathogenic microorganisms from a surface or material.
Instrument Tray. A tray used to store and organize a set of surgical instruments.
Anatomy. The study of the structure and function of the body's organs and tissues.
Physiology. The study of how the body works, including the function of organs, cells, and other structures.
Pathology. The study of disease, including causes and treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Surgical Instrument Technician? A1: A Surgical Instrument Technician is a specialized medical professional who works in the operating theatre to ensure that surgical instruments are properly sterilized, stored, and handled before, during, and after surgical procedures. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Surgical Instrument Technician? A2: To become a Surgical Instrument Technician, you must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers will also require certification or an associate degree in surgical technology. Q3: How much do Surgical Instrument Technicians earn? A3: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Surgical Instrument Technicians is $39,540. Q4: What is the job outlook for Surgical Instrument Technicians? A4: The job outlook for Surgical Instrument Technicians is positive. Employment of Surgical Instrument Technicians is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. Q5: What is a typical day for a Surgical Instrument Technician like? A5: A typical day for a Surgical Instrument Technician may include sterilizing instruments and equipment, preparing operating rooms for procedures, monitoring supplies and equipment, and assisting with patient care and preparation.