NCCT Surgical Tech Practice Exam and Study
Guide (Latest 2026/2027) Complete Questions
and 100% Correct Answers (Guaranteed Pass)
1. What parts of the operating room (OR) table need to be cleaned during a terminal
cleaning (end-of-day)?
A. Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
B. Surface only
C. Surface and attachments used
D. Surface, attachments, and base -✓✓Correct response:
Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
Rationale: Surface, attachments, base, and wheels. It is important to be thorough during
any cleaning of the OR, but a terminal clean should be doubly so. Some 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 for steam sterilization?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Bacillus atrophaeus
C. Clostridium tetani
D. Geobacillus stearothermophilus -✓✓Correct response:
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Rationale: Geobacillus stearothermophilus has been determined to be highly resistant
to being killed by steam, making it ideal to test the efficacy of steam 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?
A. right = two, left = two
B. right = three, left = three
C. right = two, left = three
D. right = three, left = two -✓✓Correct response:
right = three, left = two
Rationale: The right lung is divided by fissures (clefts) into three lobes: upper, 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 which one?
A. The plume of smoke from a Bovie in a case with a fungal infection.
B. A sneeze in the locker room from a coworker whose child is sick.
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. -✓✓Correct
response:
A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on the back table.
Rationale: The hair tie landing on the sterile back table is an example of direct contact
transmission; it is not airborne. A cough, a sneeze, and the plume from a Bovie are all
airborne contaminants.
5. Sterile supplies and instruments for a case have been opened in O.R. 1 the surgical
tech was just informed that the case has been moved to O.R. 2 and the next case in
O.R. 1 is scheduled in 2 hours. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
A. Move the Back table and supplies into O.R. 2.
B. Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1.
C. Request that the circulator take over moving the supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2.
D. Cover the Back table and supplies with a sterile drape to keep sterile in O.R.1. -
✓✓Correct response:
Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1.
Rationale: The best course of action is to obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R.
2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. Sterility is crucial in the operating room, and once
supplies are opened and exposed to the environment in one room, they are no longer
considered sterile if moved to another room due to potential contamination during the
transfer process. Using new, sterile supplies ensures that the instruments and materials
are properly sterile and safe for the next case. Covering the supplies with a sterile drape
does not ensure sterility if 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.
6.Which is the most recommended practice for arranging sterile instruments and
supplies for a surgical procedure?
A. Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
B. Alternating smaller and larger instruments to fit on the table.
C. Arranging instruments in alphabetical order on the back table.
D. Sorting instruments by amount of use by surgeons. -✓✓Correct response:
Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
,Rationale: Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use is correct because this
helps streamline the surgical process, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring the right
instrument is readily available when needed. Sorting instruments by their amount of use
by the surgeon (their popularity) is not correct or recommended during the preparation
of instruments for a surgical procedure. Instrument choice should be determined by the
surgery requirements and the surgeon's preference card. What matters more is their
7.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 surgeon, the surgical tech lets
the gown unfold in front of them, and realized it was being held backwards because the
inside of the gown is facing the surgical tech. What is the correct thing to do?
A. The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown.
B. Get both tech and surgeon new gowns/gloves since the inside of the gown in
unsterile.
C. Put the whole gown down on the back table, and pick it up the correct way.
D. Drop it, and ask the circulator to open a new gown for the surgeon. -✓✓Correct
response:
The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown.
Rationale: If the gown is backward, it should be correctly rotated. Bring your hands
together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown. You're still sterile, and the surgeon's
gown is as well (except for the part that's hanging close to the floor). There is no need to
waste the gown, it can be rotated. Since the bottom of the gown has undoubtedly
dropped below what is considered sterile, putting the gown on your back table would
effectively contaminate the table.
8. Absorbable suture is generally preferred for suturing which of the following tissue
types?
A. Osseous
B. Periosteum
C. Tendon
D. Ligament -✓✓(Osseous comes from the Latin word for bone)
Osseous
Correct response:
Periosteum
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 effectively are true, except which one?
A. The tech should make sure there is ample room to slide their arms in gown without
touching the sleeves of the gown to any non-sterile object.
B. After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their
neck and the waist.
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. -✓✓Correct response:
After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their neck
and the waist.
Rationale: After the gown has been donned, the circulator will secure the fasteners
behind the tech, and then the tech will proceed to glove themselves. The other options
are accurate for donning a surgical gown.
10. What additional supplies should the surgical tech request if unexpected heavy blood
loss occurs during an abdominal procedure?
A. Cottonoids
B. Hydrogel
C. Raytec® sponges
D. Lap sponges -✓✓Correct response:
Lap sponges
Rationale: Additional Lap sponges should be requested. Surgical sponges are used to
absorb blood and tissue fluids, for blunt dissection of tissues, and to protect structures
during the surgical procedure. Laparotomy sponges are the 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 these cases?
A. ACL repair
B. Tonsillectomy
C. Laminectomy
D. A total joint replacement -✓✓Correct response:
Tonsillectomy
Rationale: A tonsillectomy can be performed using significantly less space than a back
table, typically a covered Mayo stand or prep stand is sufficient. Due to their 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.
Guide (Latest 2026/2027) Complete Questions
and 100% Correct Answers (Guaranteed Pass)
1. What parts of the operating room (OR) table need to be cleaned during a terminal
cleaning (end-of-day)?
A. Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
B. Surface only
C. Surface and attachments used
D. Surface, attachments, and base -✓✓Correct response:
Surface, attachments, base, and wheels
Rationale: Surface, attachments, base, and wheels. It is important to be thorough during
any cleaning of the OR, but a terminal clean should be doubly so. Some 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 for steam sterilization?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Bacillus atrophaeus
C. Clostridium tetani
D. Geobacillus stearothermophilus -✓✓Correct response:
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Rationale: Geobacillus stearothermophilus has been determined to be highly resistant
to being killed by steam, making it ideal to test the efficacy of steam 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?
A. right = two, left = two
B. right = three, left = three
C. right = two, left = three
D. right = three, left = two -✓✓Correct response:
right = three, left = two
Rationale: The right lung is divided by fissures (clefts) into three lobes: upper, 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 which one?
A. The plume of smoke from a Bovie in a case with a fungal infection.
B. A sneeze in the locker room from a coworker whose child is sick.
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. -✓✓Correct
response:
A hair tie accidentally flipped by the nurse landing on the back table.
Rationale: The hair tie landing on the sterile back table is an example of direct contact
transmission; it is not airborne. A cough, a sneeze, and the plume from a Bovie are all
airborne contaminants.
5. Sterile supplies and instruments for a case have been opened in O.R. 1 the surgical
tech was just informed that the case has been moved to O.R. 2 and the next case in
O.R. 1 is scheduled in 2 hours. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
A. Move the Back table and supplies into O.R. 2.
B. Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1.
C. Request that the circulator take over moving the supplies from O.R. 1 to O.R. 2.
D. Cover the Back table and supplies with a sterile drape to keep sterile in O.R.1. -
✓✓Correct response:
Obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R. 2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1.
Rationale: The best course of action is to obtain new supplies and instruments for O.R.
2 and dispose of the setup in O.R. 1. Sterility is crucial in the operating room, and once
supplies are opened and exposed to the environment in one room, they are no longer
considered sterile if moved to another room due to potential contamination during the
transfer process. Using new, sterile supplies ensures that the instruments and materials
are properly sterile and safe for the next case. Covering the supplies with a sterile drape
does not ensure sterility if 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.
6.Which is the most recommended practice for arranging sterile instruments and
supplies for a surgical procedure?
A. Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
B. Alternating smaller and larger instruments to fit on the table.
C. Arranging instruments in alphabetical order on the back table.
D. Sorting instruments by amount of use by surgeons. -✓✓Correct response:
Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use.
,Rationale: Organizing instruments in the order of anticipated use is correct because this
helps streamline the surgical process, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring the right
instrument is readily available when needed. Sorting instruments by their amount of use
by the surgeon (their popularity) is not correct or recommended during the preparation
of instruments for a surgical procedure. Instrument choice should be determined by the
surgery requirements and the surgeon's preference card. What matters more is their
7.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 surgeon, the surgical tech lets
the gown unfold in front of them, and realized it was being held backwards because the
inside of the gown is facing the surgical tech. What is the correct thing to do?
A. The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown.
B. Get both tech and surgeon new gowns/gloves since the inside of the gown in
unsterile.
C. Put the whole gown down on the back table, and pick it up the correct way.
D. Drop it, and ask the circulator to open a new gown for the surgeon. -✓✓Correct
response:
The tech should bring their hands together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown.
Rationale: If the gown is backward, it should be correctly rotated. Bring your hands
together, alternate the sides and rotate the gown. You're still sterile, and the surgeon's
gown is as well (except for the part that's hanging close to the floor). There is no need to
waste the gown, it can be rotated. Since the bottom of the gown has undoubtedly
dropped below what is considered sterile, putting the gown on your back table would
effectively contaminate the table.
8. Absorbable suture is generally preferred for suturing which of the following tissue
types?
A. Osseous
B. Periosteum
C. Tendon
D. Ligament -✓✓(Osseous comes from the Latin word for bone)
Osseous
Correct response:
Periosteum
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 effectively are true, except which one?
A. The tech should make sure there is ample room to slide their arms in gown without
touching the sleeves of the gown to any non-sterile object.
B. After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their
neck and the waist.
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. -✓✓Correct response:
After the gown has been donned, the tech must secure the fasteners behind their neck
and the waist.
Rationale: After the gown has been donned, the circulator will secure the fasteners
behind the tech, and then the tech will proceed to glove themselves. The other options
are accurate for donning a surgical gown.
10. What additional supplies should the surgical tech request if unexpected heavy blood
loss occurs during an abdominal procedure?
A. Cottonoids
B. Hydrogel
C. Raytec® sponges
D. Lap sponges -✓✓Correct response:
Lap sponges
Rationale: Additional Lap sponges should be requested. Surgical sponges are used to
absorb blood and tissue fluids, for blunt dissection of tissues, and to protect structures
during the surgical procedure. Laparotomy sponges are the 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 these cases?
A. ACL repair
B. Tonsillectomy
C. Laminectomy
D. A total joint replacement -✓✓Correct response:
Tonsillectomy
Rationale: A tonsillectomy can be performed using significantly less space than a back
table, typically a covered Mayo stand or prep stand is sufficient. Due to their 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.
