What should the surgical technologist do first after the surgeon tags the specimen with suture during a breast biopsy?

After the surgeon tags the specimen with suture during a breast biopsy, the first priority is to ensure the specimen is accurately identified. This step is crucial because it helps to maintain the integrity of the specimen and ensures proper handling and processing for pathological examination. The surgeon’s identification provides a confirmation of what the specimen is, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This step helps to prevent any potential mix-ups that could arise if specimens are not correctly labeled and identified at the outset.

Subsequent actions, such as passing the specimen to pathology, documenting the time of removal, or preparing the specimen for staining, are also important but should follow the confirmation of the specimen’s identity. Proper identification serves as the foundation for all subsequent steps in the care and handling of surgical specimens.