Association of Surgical Technologists

Enhancing the profession to ensure quality patient care.

AST Headquarters will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume our regular business hours at 8 am MT Tuesday, January 20, and look forward to assisting you then. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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AST Position Statements
Position statements reflect a stance, viewpoint and/or perspective. They have been passed by the House of Delegates and reviewed by the AST Board of Directors. Position statements address matters of professional concerns, such as collective bargaining, proper title and job descriptions. Guidelines statements establish evidence-based surgical technology practices. All AST Guidelines are approved by the AST Board of Directors.

AST Position Statements

Code of Ethics Position Statement

Position Statement on Surgical Technology Care of the Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Organ Donor Programs Resolution

Teamwork Position Statement

Position Statement on Surgical Technologist Preoperative Preparation for Surgical Procedures

Position Statement on Application of Aseptic Technique for All Patients

Standards of Practice Resolution

Position Statement on First Assisting

Resolution for the Bachelor’s Degree as the Preferred Model for Entry-Level Surgical First Assistant Education

Position Statement on Unlicensed Assistive Personnel

Associate Degree Concept Resolution

Position Statement on Witness of Informed Consent

Position Statement on Performing Venipuncture

Position Statement Performance of Wound Closure by the Surgical Assistant

Position Statement on CST Performing Dual Roles Intraoperatively

Position Statement on Skin Approximation of the Surgical Wound with Staples by the CST and CSFA

Position Statement on Harvesting the Saphenous Vein by the Surgical Assistant

Position Statement on the Backtable and Mayo Stand Remaining Sterile Until Patient is Transported from Operating Room

Position Statement on Performing Routine and Emergency Cesarean Section

Position Statement on Intraoperative Activation of Power Equipment and Electrosurgery by CST and CSFA

Position Statement on CST and CSFA Completing BLS/CPR Training

Position Statement on Surgical Technologist as Subject Matter Expert on Application of Sterile Technique

Position Statement on Health Care Facility Departments Use of Surgical Technologist's Skills

Position Statement on CST Working in Central Sterile Supply

Position Statement on Role and Duties of the CST During Endoscopic Procedures

Joint Position Statement on The Opioid Abuse Epidemic

Position Statement on Minimum Education for Surgical Technologists

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