Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam – Prep Guide & Practice Questions

The scalpel is the instrument specifically designed for making incisions in the skin during surgical procedures. Its sharp blade allows for precise cuts, which are essential for opening the skin and accessing underlying tissues with minimal trauma. The scalpel comes in various sizes and blade types to accommodate different surgical techniques and anatomical considerations, making it a versatile tool for surgeons.

While clamps are used to occlude blood vessels or tissues, and scissors are utilized for cutting sutures or tissues, they do not provide the fine control and sharpness required for initial skin incisions. The scalpel’s design and intended purpose make it the go-to instrument for this critical step in surgical procedures.