IAHCSMM Surgical Instrument Identification & Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of instrument lubrication ('milking') in the CS department?
- To add a sterile coating before use
- To maintain the functionality of box locks and moving parts and prevent corrosion (Correct answer)
- To clean residual detergent from instruments
- To facilitate packaging
Correct answer: To maintain the functionality of box locks and moving parts and prevent corrosion
Instrument lubricants protect moving parts, box locks, and ratchets from corrosion and stiffness, extending instrument lifespan.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct method to inspect a hemostat during the assembly process?
- Check only the tip alignment
- Open the ratchet, inspect the box lock, check jaw alignment, tip closure, and verify teeth interlock correctly (Correct answer)
- Inspect the surface for staining only
- Squeeze the handles and release
Correct answer: Open the ratchet, inspect the box lock, check jaw alignment, tip closure, and verify teeth interlock correctly
A complete hemostat inspection includes verifying box lock integrity, jaw alignment, tip closure, ratchet function, and proper interdigitation of teeth.
Question 3: What does 'atraumatic' mean when describing surgical instruments?
- Made of titanium only
- Designed to minimize tissue injury, typically with smooth or specially designed jaws (Correct answer)
- Instruments used in trauma surgeries only
- Sharp instruments that cut cleanly
Correct answer: Designed to minimize tissue injury, typically with smooth or specially designed jaws
Atraumatic instruments are designed with features that minimize tissue damage, such as smooth jaws or specially coated surfaces, commonly used in vascular and delicate surgery.
Question 4: What color coding on instrument handles typically indicates a specific jaw size or specialty?
- Color coating has no standardized meaning
- Manufacturers use standardized color rings to indicate jaw size, specialty, or set membership (Correct answer)
- Red always indicates sharp instruments
- Blue means the instrument is sterile
Correct answer: Manufacturers use standardized color rings to indicate jaw size, specialty, or set membership
Color-coded rings or silicone handles are manufacturer-specific identifiers for jaw size, specialty category, or set belonging, which must be verified against instrument IFU.
Question 5: What is electrosurgical instrument insulation testing used for?
- To verify the instrument conducts electricity properly
- To detect cracks or defects in insulation that could cause unintended energy delivery and patient burns (Correct answer)
- To measure instrument resistance
- To calibrate the electrosurgical generator
Correct answer: To detect cracks or defects in insulation that could cause unintended energy delivery and patient burns
Insulation testing of laparoscopic and electrosurgical instruments detects defects invisible to the naked eye that can cause stray electrical energy to burn surrounding tissue.
Question 6: What should a CS technician do upon discovering a crack in the handle of a needle holder during inspection?
- Document the damage and continue using the instrument
- Apply adhesive and return it to the set
- Remove the instrument from service and send it for repair or replacement (Correct answer)
- Wrap the handle with tape
Correct answer: Remove the instrument from service and send it for repair or replacement
Damaged instruments must be removed from service immediately; cracks compromise instrument integrity and function, posing patient and staff safety risks.
IAHCSMM Surgical Instrument Identification & Care 1
What is the purpose of instrument lubrication ('milking') in the CS department?