MDRAO Instrument Identification 2

Question 1

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted 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

Answer

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.

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO - Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario Practice Test

MDRAO Instrument Identification 2