Instrument Identification Flashcards

What is the function of a haemostat (artery forceps) in surgical procedures, and how should it be inspected during CSSD assembly?

Answer: A haemostat clamps blood vessels to control bleeding; inspect by verifying the box lock functions smoothly, ratchet engages at all positions, and jaws align evenly when closed

Haemostats clamp blood vessels or other structures during surgery. Inspection should verify smooth box lock function, proper ratchet engagement, and precise jaw alignment — misaligned jaws allow vessels to slip through.

How do needle holders differ from haemostats in design and function, and what specific inspection is required for needle holders?

Answer: Needle holders have specially hardened, often cross-hatched or insert-style jaw faces designed to grip suture needles without rotation; inspection must include checking jaw face inserts for wear, cracks, or looseness

Needle holders are specifically designed to grip suture needles securely. Their jaws often have hardened carbide inserts or cross-hatched faces; these inserts must be checked for wear, cracks, missing segments, or looseness during CSSD inspection.

What is the difference between tissue forceps and dressing forceps, and how can CSSD technicians distinguish them?

Answer: Tissue forceps have interlocking teeth at the jaw tips (rat-tooth or mouse-tooth pattern) for gripping tissue; dressing forceps have smooth or serrated jaws for handling dressings and packing materials without teeth

Tissue forceps have interlocking teeth at the tip (e.g., 1×2 rat-tooth or Adson teeth) for secure tissue gripping; dressing forceps have smooth or serrated (but toothless) jaws for handling dressings without tissue damage.

What is a retractor, and why do retractors require special attention during the inspection phase of instrument reprocessing?

Answer: A retractor holds tissue or organs aside to maintain surgical exposure; inspect for deformities, cracks, sharp edges from bending, and ensure all moveable components (self-retaining retractors) function correctly

Retractors physically hold back tissue and organs during surgery. Inspection must check for bending deformities, cracks (especially at stress points), and for self-retaining retractors, verify that all locking mechanisms and adjustable blades function properly.

What instrument is described as 'sponge-holding forceps' or 'ring forceps,' and what is their primary surgical use?

Answer: Foerster (sponge) forceps — ring-tipped graspers with serrated rings used to hold sponges/gauze for wound cleaning, draping, or application of solutions, and also used as general tissue graspers

Foerster (sponge) forceps are ring-tipped instruments used to hold sponges and gauze for wound preparation, antiseptic application, and draping; they are also used as atraumatic tissue graspers in minimally invasive procedures.

How does a bone rongeur differ from other surgical instruments in function and in its reprocessing requirements?

Answer: A bone rongeur is a heavy-duty, spring-loaded biting instrument designed to cut and remove bone; it requires inspection of the cutting cups for alignment and sharpness, spring tension, and the pivot mechanism, plus careful cleaning of the cutting cup junction where bone fragments accumulate

Bone rongeurs are heavy-duty cutting instruments for bone removal, with opposed cutting cups on a spring-loaded mechanism. Inspection requires checking cutting cup alignment and sharpness, spring function, and the pivot; the cutting junction requires especially thorough cleaning due to bone fragment accumulation.