Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT) Practice
Exam Questions & Answers | Complete TS-C
Practice Test | Latest 2026–2027
** Expert-Verified Explanation
** All Questions with Verified Answer
** Guaranteed Pass
** 100% Correct Answers | Graded A+
,1. What parts of the operating room (OR) table need to Correct response:
be cleaned during a terminal cleaning (end-of-day)? Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
A. Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
B. Surface only Rationale: Surface, attachments, base, and wheels. It is important to be thorough
C. Surface and attachments used during any cleaning of the OR, but a terminal clean should be doubly so. Some
D. Surface, attachments, and base cases are messier than others, and it's possible for blood and bioburden to
become trapped in crevices and within the wheels of the bed.
2. What bacterial spore is used as a biological indicator Correct response:
for steam sterilization? Geobacillus stearothermophilus
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Bacillus atrophaeus Rationale: Geobacillus stearothermophilus has been determined to be highly
C. Clostridium tetani resistant to being killed by steam, making it ideal to test the efficacy of steam
D. Geobacillus stearothermophilus sterilization. Bacillus atrophaeus is used as a BI to test Ethylene oxide and
hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization. Clostridium tetani is a common soil
bacterium and the causative agent of tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus is a
common bacterium that lives in the human respiratory tract as well as skin.
3. How many lobes do the right and left lung have? Correct response:
A. right = two, left = two right = three, left = two
B. right = three, left = three
C. right = two, left = three Rationale: The right lung is divided by fissures (clefts) into three lobes: upper,
D. right = three, left = two middle, and lower. The right lung is shorter and wider than the left to
accommodate the liver. The left lung is smaller, narrower, and longer than the
right because the heart is normally angled to the left side in the cardiac notch.
The left lung is subdivided into two lobes: upper and lower.
4. These are examples of airborne contamination, except Correct response:
which one? A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on the back table.
A. The plume of smoke from a Bovie in a case with a
fungal infection. Rationale: The hair tie landing on the sterile back table is an example of direct
B. A sneeze in the locker room from a coworker whose contact transmission; it is not airborne. A cough, a sneeze, and the plume from a
child is sick. Bovie are all airborne contaminants.
C. An orderly assisting with turnover who has a deep
cough and a loose surgical mask.
D. A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on
the back table.
5. Sterile supplies and instruments for a case have been Correct response:
opened in O.R. 1 the surgical tech was just informed that Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R.
the case has been moved to O.R. 2 and the next case in 1.
O.R. 1 is scheduled in 2 hours. Which of the following is
the BEST course of action? Rationale: The best course of action is to obtain new supplies and instruments
A. Move the Back table and supplies into O.R. 2. for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. Sterility is crucial in the operating
B. Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and room, and once supplies are opened and exposed to the environment in one
dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. room, they are no longer considered sterile if moved to another room due to
C. Request that the circulator take over moving the potential contamination during the transfer process. Using new, sterile supplies
supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2. ensures that the instruments and materials are properly sterile and safe for the
D. Cover the Back table and supplies with a sterile drape next case. Covering the supplies with a sterile drape does not ensure sterility if
to keep sterile in O.R.1. the supplies are moved to a different room. The risk of contamination during
transfer makes this option inadequate. Move the back table and supplies into
O.R. 2: Moving supplies from one operating room to another is not advisable
because it risks contamination. Sterile supplies should not be transported
between rooms as the potential for exposure and contamination exists. Request
that the circulator take over moving the supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2:
Regardless of who performs the task, moving supplies between rooms does not
maintain sterility. The safest approach is to use new supplies for each case to
ensure that sterility is maintained.
Which is the most recommended practice for arranging Correct response:
sterile instruments and supplies for a surgical Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
procedure?
A. Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use. Rationale: Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use is correct
B. Alternating smaller and larger instruments to fit on the because this helps streamline the surgical process, reducing the risk of delays
table. and ensuring the right instrument is readily available when needed. Sorting
C. Arranging instruments in alphabetical order on the instruments by their amount of use by the surgeon (their popularity) is not correct
back table. or recommended during the preparation of instruments for a surgical procedure.
D. Sorting instruments by amount of use by surgeons. Instrument choice should be determined by the surgery requirements and the
surgeon's preference card. What matters more is their function and order of use.
Do not take time to organize instruments by alphabetical order, this is not an
accepted protocol, could confuse the surgical staff who cannot spell, and create
a messy table.
, 7. After stepping away from the sterile field to gown the Correct response:
surgeon, the surgical tech lets the gown unfold in front of The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the
them, and realized it was being held backwards because gown.
the inside of the gown is facing the surgical tech. What is
the correct thing to do? Rationale: If the gown is backward, it should be correctly rotated. Bring your
A. The tech should bring their hands together, alternate hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown. You're still sterile, and
the sides and rotate the gown. the surgeon's gown is as well (except for the part that's hanging close to the
B. Get both tech and surgeon new gowns/gloves since floor). There is no need to waste the gown, it can be rotated. Since the bottom of
the inside of the gown in unsterile. the gown has undoubtedly dropped below what is considered sterile, putting the
C. Put the whole gown down on the back table, and pick gown on your back table would effectively contaminate the table.
it up the correct way.
D. Drop it, and ask the circulator to open a new gown for
the surgeon.
8. Absorbable suture is generally preferred for suturing (Osseous comes from the Latin word for bone)
which of the following tissue types? Osseous
A. Osseous Correct response:
B. Periosteum Periosteum
C. Tendon
D. Ligament Rationale: Periosteum requires an absorbable suture because it vascular and
using an absorbable suture will minimize tissue irritation. Non-absorbable sutures
are often preferred for long-term stability and support in areas requiring
sustained strength. The osseous tissue, tendons and ligaments generally require
strong, durable sutures due to their high tensile strength and load-bearing
functions. Non-absorbable sutures or high-strength absorbable sutures are more
commonly used to ensure long-term stability and support during the tendon
healing process.
9. These details about donning a surgical gown Correct response:
effectively are true, except which one? After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their
A. The tech should make sure there is ample room to neck and the waist.
slide their arms in gown without touching the sleeves of
the gown to any non-sterile object. Rationale: After the gown has been donned, the circulator will secure the
B. After the gown has been donned, the tech must fasteners behind the tech, and then the tech will proceed to glove themselves.
secure the fasteners behind their neck and the waist. The other options are accurate for donning a surgical gown.
C. Care must be taken not to turn your back on the
sterile field at any time.
D. The closed glove technique is used for donning the
gloves after the sterile gown has been secured.
10. What additional supplies should the surgical tech Correct response:
request if unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an Lap sponges
abdominal procedure?
A. Cottonoids Rationale: Additional Lap sponges should be requested. Surgical sponges are
B. Hydrogel used to absorb blood and tissue fluids, for blunt dissection of tissues, and to
C. Raytec® sponges protect structures during the surgical procedure. Laparotomy sponges are the
D. Lap sponges largest and most absorbent of the surgical sponges and are available in several
sizes, including pediatric size. Cottonoids are also known as "micropatty" or a
"neuropatty" and are used in microsurgery procedures to protect the brain and
nerves, or for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Raytec® sponges have an X-
ray detectable thread woven in them, and are used for absorbing fluids or
packing wounds or cavities intra-operatively. Hydrogel wound dressing will add
moisture to an area and are used on wounds that are too dry during healing.
11. The large back table is unnecessary for which of Correct response:
these cases? Tonsillectomy
A. ACL repair
B. Tonsillectomy Rationale: A tonsillectomy can be performed using significantly less space than a
C. Laminectomy back table, typically a covered Mayo stand or prep stand is sufficient. Due to their
D. A total joint replacement complexity and the likelihood of needing multiple instrument sets, the other cases
listed could be facilitated (given sufficient OR space) with either an additional or
larger back table.
12. What key information should be provided to the Correct response:
surgical team to facilitate the completion of an incident The detailed description including the who, what, when, where of the situation.
report?
A. The detailed description including the who, what, Rationale: The key information that should be provided to the surgical team to
when, where of the situation. facilitate the completion of an incident report includes a detailed description of
B. The patient's medical history, allergies, and current the incident. This description should cover what specifically happened, where
medications. and when it occurred, and who was involved or affected by the incident. This
C. The central processing system for the care and ensures that the incident report is comprehensive and accurately reflects the
maintenance of instruments. event. While patient medical history, allergies, and medications are important for
D. The hospital and surgical team's safety protocols from patient care, they are not directly relevant to completing an incident report unless
the office manual. they were factors in the incident. The incident report wants to know what
happened in this situation, not what the central processing (CP) system is or the
hospital's safety protocols from the office manual. If the inspectors want any of
that information, they will as CP or the hospital safety coordinator for those
details.
Exam Questions & Answers | Complete TS-C
Practice Test | Latest 2026–2027
** Expert-Verified Explanation
** All Questions with Verified Answer
** Guaranteed Pass
** 100% Correct Answers | Graded A+
,1. What parts of the operating room (OR) table need to Correct response:
be cleaned during a terminal cleaning (end-of-day)? Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
A. Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
B. Surface only Rationale: Surface, attachments, base, and wheels. It is important to be thorough
C. Surface and attachments used during any cleaning of the OR, but a terminal clean should be doubly so. Some
D. Surface, attachments, and base cases are messier than others, and it's possible for blood and bioburden to
become trapped in crevices and within the wheels of the bed.
2. What bacterial spore is used as a biological indicator Correct response:
for steam sterilization? Geobacillus stearothermophilus
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Bacillus atrophaeus Rationale: Geobacillus stearothermophilus has been determined to be highly
C. Clostridium tetani resistant to being killed by steam, making it ideal to test the efficacy of steam
D. Geobacillus stearothermophilus sterilization. Bacillus atrophaeus is used as a BI to test Ethylene oxide and
hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization. Clostridium tetani is a common soil
bacterium and the causative agent of tetanus. Staphylococcus aureus is a
common bacterium that lives in the human respiratory tract as well as skin.
3. How many lobes do the right and left lung have? Correct response:
A. right = two, left = two right = three, left = two
B. right = three, left = three
C. right = two, left = three Rationale: The right lung is divided by fissures (clefts) into three lobes: upper,
D. right = three, left = two middle, and lower. The right lung is shorter and wider than the left to
accommodate the liver. The left lung is smaller, narrower, and longer than the
right because the heart is normally angled to the left side in the cardiac notch.
The left lung is subdivided into two lobes: upper and lower.
4. These are examples of airborne contamination, except Correct response:
which one? A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on the back table.
A. The plume of smoke from a Bovie in a case with a
fungal infection. Rationale: The hair tie landing on the sterile back table is an example of direct
B. A sneeze in the locker room from a coworker whose contact transmission; it is not airborne. A cough, a sneeze, and the plume from a
child is sick. Bovie are all airborne contaminants.
C. An orderly assisting with turnover who has a deep
cough and a loose surgical mask.
D. A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on
the back table.
5. Sterile supplies and instruments for a case have been Correct response:
opened in O.R. 1 the surgical tech was just informed that Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R.
the case has been moved to O.R. 2 and the next case in 1.
O.R. 1 is scheduled in 2 hours. Which of the following is
the BEST course of action? Rationale: The best course of action is to obtain new supplies and instruments
A. Move the Back table and supplies into O.R. 2. for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. Sterility is crucial in the operating
B. Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and room, and once supplies are opened and exposed to the environment in one
dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. room, they are no longer considered sterile if moved to another room due to
C. Request that the circulator take over moving the potential contamination during the transfer process. Using new, sterile supplies
supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2. ensures that the instruments and materials are properly sterile and safe for the
D. Cover the Back table and supplies with a sterile drape next case. Covering the supplies with a sterile drape does not ensure sterility if
to keep sterile in O.R.1. the supplies are moved to a different room. The risk of contamination during
transfer makes this option inadequate. Move the back table and supplies into
O.R. 2: Moving supplies from one operating room to another is not advisable
because it risks contamination. Sterile supplies should not be transported
between rooms as the potential for exposure and contamination exists. Request
that the circulator take over moving the supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2:
Regardless of who performs the task, moving supplies between rooms does not
maintain sterility. The safest approach is to use new supplies for each case to
ensure that sterility is maintained.
Which is the most recommended practice for arranging Correct response:
sterile instruments and supplies for a surgical Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
procedure?
A. Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use. Rationale: Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use is correct
B. Alternating smaller and larger instruments to fit on the because this helps streamline the surgical process, reducing the risk of delays
table. and ensuring the right instrument is readily available when needed. Sorting
C. Arranging instruments in alphabetical order on the instruments by their amount of use by the surgeon (their popularity) is not correct
back table. or recommended during the preparation of instruments for a surgical procedure.
D. Sorting instruments by amount of use by surgeons. Instrument choice should be determined by the surgery requirements and the
surgeon's preference card. What matters more is their function and order of use.
Do not take time to organize instruments by alphabetical order, this is not an
accepted protocol, could confuse the surgical staff who cannot spell, and create
a messy table.
, 7. After stepping away from the sterile field to gown the Correct response:
surgeon, the surgical tech lets the gown unfold in front of The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the
them, and realized it was being held backwards because gown.
the inside of the gown is facing the surgical tech. What is
the correct thing to do? Rationale: If the gown is backward, it should be correctly rotated. Bring your
A. The tech should bring their hands together, alternate hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown. You're still sterile, and
the sides and rotate the gown. the surgeon's gown is as well (except for the part that's hanging close to the
B. Get both tech and surgeon new gowns/gloves since floor). There is no need to waste the gown, it can be rotated. Since the bottom of
the inside of the gown in unsterile. the gown has undoubtedly dropped below what is considered sterile, putting the
C. Put the whole gown down on the back table, and pick gown on your back table would effectively contaminate the table.
it up the correct way.
D. Drop it, and ask the circulator to open a new gown for
the surgeon.
8. Absorbable suture is generally preferred for suturing (Osseous comes from the Latin word for bone)
which of the following tissue types? Osseous
A. Osseous Correct response:
B. Periosteum Periosteum
C. Tendon
D. Ligament Rationale: Periosteum requires an absorbable suture because it vascular and
using an absorbable suture will minimize tissue irritation. Non-absorbable sutures
are often preferred for long-term stability and support in areas requiring
sustained strength. The osseous tissue, tendons and ligaments generally require
strong, durable sutures due to their high tensile strength and load-bearing
functions. Non-absorbable sutures or high-strength absorbable sutures are more
commonly used to ensure long-term stability and support during the tendon
healing process.
9. These details about donning a surgical gown Correct response:
effectively are true, except which one? After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their
A. The tech should make sure there is ample room to neck and the waist.
slide their arms in gown without touching the sleeves of
the gown to any non-sterile object. Rationale: After the gown has been donned, the circulator will secure the
B. After the gown has been donned, the tech must fasteners behind the tech, and then the tech will proceed to glove themselves.
secure the fasteners behind their neck and the waist. The other options are accurate for donning a surgical gown.
C. Care must be taken not to turn your back on the
sterile field at any time.
D. The closed glove technique is used for donning the
gloves after the sterile gown has been secured.
10. What additional supplies should the surgical tech Correct response:
request if unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an Lap sponges
abdominal procedure?
A. Cottonoids Rationale: Additional Lap sponges should be requested. Surgical sponges are
B. Hydrogel used to absorb blood and tissue fluids, for blunt dissection of tissues, and to
C. Raytec® sponges protect structures during the surgical procedure. Laparotomy sponges are the
D. Lap sponges largest and most absorbent of the surgical sponges and are available in several
sizes, including pediatric size. Cottonoids are also known as "micropatty" or a
"neuropatty" and are used in microsurgery procedures to protect the brain and
nerves, or for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Raytec® sponges have an X-
ray detectable thread woven in them, and are used for absorbing fluids or
packing wounds or cavities intra-operatively. Hydrogel wound dressing will add
moisture to an area and are used on wounds that are too dry during healing.
11. The large back table is unnecessary for which of Correct response:
these cases? Tonsillectomy
A. ACL repair
B. Tonsillectomy Rationale: A tonsillectomy can be performed using significantly less space than a
C. Laminectomy back table, typically a covered Mayo stand or prep stand is sufficient. Due to their
D. A total joint replacement complexity and the likelihood of needing multiple instrument sets, the other cases
listed could be facilitated (given sufficient OR space) with either an additional or
larger back table.
12. What key information should be provided to the Correct response:
surgical team to facilitate the completion of an incident The detailed description including the who, what, when, where of the situation.
report?
A. The detailed description including the who, what, Rationale: The key information that should be provided to the surgical team to
when, where of the situation. facilitate the completion of an incident report includes a detailed description of
B. The patient's medical history, allergies, and current the incident. This description should cover what specifically happened, where
medications. and when it occurred, and who was involved or affected by the incident. This
C. The central processing system for the care and ensures that the incident report is comprehensive and accurately reflects the
maintenance of instruments. event. While patient medical history, allergies, and medications are important for
D. The hospital and surgical team's safety protocols from patient care, they are not directly relevant to completing an incident report unless
the office manual. they were factors in the incident. The incident report wants to know what
happened in this situation, not what the central processing (CP) system is or the
hospital's safety protocols from the office manual. If the inspectors want any of
that information, they will as CP or the hospital safety coordinator for those
details.
