Final answer:
A medical assistant is involved in various unsterile and sterile tasks during surgery, including ensuring the sterility of the environment and equipment. Proper training is necessary for these responsibilities. A degree may not be essential for a medical laboratory assistant, but clinical training is required.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant may be asked to perform a wide variety of unsterile and sterile tasks during surgery. These tasks include but are not limited to confirming team member introductions, patient identity, surgical site and procedure; reviewing anticipated critical events alongside surgeons, anesthesia staff, and nursing staff; and ensuring sterility through aseptic technique. Proper handwashing and surgical scrubbing are crucial to maintaining sterility, as well as understanding that medical procedures with a risk for contamination should be carried out in a sterile field. Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) typically do not require a degree but must have clinical training to process samples and handle routine lab assignments.
Procedures such as sterilization of medical equipment, tissue specimen storage, and vaccine component checks for sterility are essential to prevent sepsis and other infections. The Association of Surgical Technologists provides standards for maintaining these sterile environments. Understanding and adhering to proper procedures and techniques is a key part of a medical assistant's role in surgical settings.