What should the scrub person do with a surgical specimen after it is procured by the surgeon?

• A. Keep it in a non-sterile container.
• B. Pass it directly to the patient.
• C. Keep it moist with saline and in a sterile basin.
• D. Dispose of it immediately to avoid contamination.

Answer: (C)

The appropriate action for the scrub person after a surgical specimen is procured by the surgeon is to keep it moist with saline and in a sterile basin. This procedure is crucial because maintaining the viability of the specimen is important for accurate laboratory analysis. The specimen should be protected from drying out, which can compromise its integrity and diagnostic value.

Keeping the specimen in a sterile environment helps prevent contamination, ensuring that all results from any further testing or examination will be valid and reliable. This standard practice supports the overall quality of care and helps in making informed decisions regarding the patient's treatment and prognosis.

The other approaches to handling the specimen could lead to significant issues. For instance, using a non-sterile container could introduce contaminants and compromise the specimen, while passing it directly to the patient would be inappropriate and might create complications. Immediate disposal would negate the opportunity for necessary pathological evaluation, which is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.