CIS Instrument Manufacturing and Repair Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What type of stainless steel is most commonly used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments?

Accepted Answer

Type 420 martensitic stainless steel

Answer

Type 420 martensitic stainless steel is most commonly used because it can be hardened through heat treatment, providing edge retention and spring properties.

Question 2

What is the passivation process in surgical instrument manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Creating a protective chromium oxide layer through chemical treatment

Answer

Passivation is a chemical treatment using nitric or citric acid that removes free iron and promotes a protective chromium oxide layer, enhancing corrosion resistance.

Question 3

What is the purpose of tungsten carbide inserts in needle holders and scissors?

Accepted Answer

To provide superior hardness and wear resistance at the working surface

Answer

Tungsten carbide inserts provide exceptional hardness (approximately twice that of stainless steel) and wear resistance, extending the working life of needle holder jaws and scissor cutting edges.

Question 4

When should an instrument be retired from service rather than repaired?

Accepted Answer

When repair costs approach replacement value or structural integrity is irreversibly compromised

Answer

Instruments should be retired when repair costs approach replacement cost, or when structural integrity cannot be adequately restored.

Question 5

What is the forging process in surgical instrument manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Shaping heated steel blanks under high pressure using dies

Answer

Forging involves heating steel blanks and shaping them under extreme pressure in precision dies, producing instruments with superior grain structure and durability.

CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Practice Test

CIS - Certified Instrument Specialist Practice Test

CIS Instrument Manufacturing and Repair Questions and Answers 2