Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What is the second step in preparing absorbable sutures before placing them on a needle holder?

1. Labeling the sutures

2. Rinsing the suture

3. Cutting the suture

4. Preparing the needle

The correct answer is: Rinsing the suture

The process of preparing absorbable sutures before placing them on a needle holder typically involves a series of careful steps to ensure optimal handling and application during surgical procedures. The second step in this process, rinsing the suture, is crucial for several reasons. Rinsing the suture helps to remove any potential contaminants or storage solutions that may be present, ensuring that the suture is clean and safe to use. This step is essential for preventing infections and complications during a surgical procedure. Additionally, proper rinsing can help to maintain the integrity of the suture material, which is particularly important given that absorbable sutures play a critical role in tissue healing. While labeling the sutures is important for identification, it is usually done before any physical preparation. Cutting the suture is typically part of the last steps when the suture needs to be shortened to the required length before threading it onto the needle holder. Preparing the needle, while also a fundamental step, would generally come after ensuring that the suture itself is properly rinsed and ready. Thus, rinsing the suture is vital for maintaining sterility and functionality, making it the second essential step in the preparation process.