Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare surgical operating area for procedure
- Disinfect and sterilise operating work surface
- Sterilise instruments and supplies using appropriate equipment and sterilising solutions
- Transfer surgical packs, gowns and equipment required for surgery to the operating area, ensuring sterility is maintained
- Perform gloving and gowning procedures according to organisational procedures and aseptic techniques
- Prepare animal for surgery
- Use safe handling techniques to prepare animals for anaesthesia and surgery, disposing of contaminated materials appropriately
- Place animal on operating area and position and/or restrain appropriately
- Prepare, clean and disinfect the surgical site on the animal according to surgery requirements and organisational procedures
- Apply drapes, lubricants or other products to protect the animal according to species and operational procedures
- Provide aseptic surgery support
- Open surgical packs and equipment using aseptic techniques and organise for easy access during surgery
- Provide sterile assistance during aseptic surgery
- Prepare additional equipment and supplies, including for surgeries on multiple animals
- Monitor surgery conditions for breaches of asepsis and report to appropriate personnel
- Complete post-surgery duties
- Clean animal post-surgery and transfer to warm recovery area providing immediate care as instructed
- Dispose of all chemical and biological waste according to organisational and regulatory requirements
- Clean and disinfect operating area and equipment and send gowns and linen for laundering
- Clean, maintain and sterilise surgical instruments
- Store equipment, surgical instruments and gowns for future use according to organisational procedures