How should surgical specimens be stored until passed to the circulating nurse?

• A. In a dry container.
• B. In saline and a sterile basin.
• C. In a cooled environment.
• D. In a plastic bag.

Answer: (B)

Surgical specimens should be stored in saline and a sterile basin to maintain their viability and integrity until they are passed to the circulating nurse. Storing specimens in saline helps to preserve them, especially in cases where tissue samples may be sensitive to drying out or require specific moisture levels for analysis. The sterile basin further ensures that the specimen remains uncontaminated by external bacteria or substances, which could affect the accuracy of any subsequent tests or analyses.

This protocol is crucial in preserving the quality of the specimen for pathological evaluation, allowing for reliable diagnoses and treatment plans. Maintaining sterility and proper environmental conditions is essential to uphold best practices in perioperative care.