Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test
← All CST Flashcard Decks

Suture & Staple Materials Flashcards

7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Suture & Staple Materials flashcards as text

  1. Which suture material is derived from the submucosa of sheep intestine?

    Answer: Plain gut

    Plain gut suture is made from the submucosal layer of sheep intestine or the serosal layer of beef intestine.

  2. What is the primary advantage of monofilament suture over multifilament suture?

    Answer: Reduced tissue drag and infection risk

    Monofilament sutures have a smooth surface that reduces tissue drag and harbor fewer bacteria, lowering infection risk.

  3. Which absorbable suture retains tensile strength the longest?

    Answer: PDS II (polydioxanone)

    PDS II retains approximately 70% tensile strength at 2 weeks and 50% at 4 weeks, lasting longer than gut or Vicryl.

  4. A surgeon requests 2-0 Prolene for a vascular anastomosis. What color is this suture typically packaged in?

    Answer: Blue

    Prolene (polypropylene) suture is dyed blue to enhance visibility in tissue.

  5. Surgical staples used for skin closure are typically made of which material?

    Answer: Stainless steel

    Skin staples are most commonly made of stainless steel, which is strong, inert, and easily removed.

  6. Which suture size is the largest in diameter?

    Answer: 2

    In the USP sizing system, larger numbers on the whole-number side (2, 3, 4) indicate larger diameter sutures.

  7. What term describes a suture needle with the suture material swaged directly into the needle end?

    Answer: Atraumatic needle

    An atraumatic (swaged) needle has suture material factory-attached, creating a continuous unit that minimizes tissue trauma compared to threaded eyed needles.