Who is responsible for preparing the surgical specimen to be sent to the lab?

• A. The surgical technologist
• B. The scrub nurse
• C. The circulating nurse
• D. The anesthesiologist

Answer: (C)

The responsibility for preparing the surgical specimen to be sent to the lab typically falls on the circulating nurse. This role involves ensuring that all necessary specimen handling protocols are followed, which includes labeling the specimen correctly, maintaining the chain of custody, and managing any required accompanying documentation. The circulating nurse serves as a key communicator between the surgical team and laboratory personnel, ensuring that specimens are collected in a manner that preserves their integrity for accurate analysis.

The surgical technologist, while involved in assisting during the surgery, generally focuses on setting up the sterile field, handing instruments to the surgeon, and maintaining the surgical environment. The scrub nurse, similar to the surgical technologist, primarily works within the sterile environment to assist directly with the surgical procedure. The anesthesiologist's role involves the administration and management of anesthesia to the patient and does not extend into specimen preparation or handling. Hence, the circulating nurse's role is crucial in the context of surgical specimen management, making this the correct answer.