Materials & Composition
This alloy of iron, chromium, and carbon accounts for approximately 85% of all surgical instruments.
What is Stainless Steel?
This is the "working end" of a hand-held instrument that comes into direct contact with tissue.
What are the Jaws?
Gold finger rings on an instrument indicate the presence of these durable, replaceable inserts.
What are Tungsten Carbide inserts?
This is the minimum magnification level recommended for detailed inspection of surgical instruments.
What is 5x magnification?
These instruments feature a telescope and light post; black dots in the field of view indicate broken glass fibers.
What are Rigid Endoscopes?
This series of stainless steel is magnetic, maintains a sharp edge, and is commonly used for scissors and forceps.
What is the 400 Series (Martensitic)?
These interlocking teeth hold a surgical instrument in a closed position during use.
What are Ratchets?
These finger rings denote "Super Sharp" scissors that may feature one serrated edge for precision
What are Black Finger Rings?
Often called "instrument milk," only this type of lubricant should be used on surgical tools.
What are water-soluble lubricants?
These specialty tools often arrive as high-value "loaner" sets that must be checked for bone debris.
What are Orthopedic Sets?
Identified by its blue appearance, this lightweight and strong metal is often used in cardiovascular and microsurgery to reduce team fatigue.
What is Titanium?
This joint or pivot point is considered the weakest part of an instrument and the most difficult to clean.
What is the Box Lock?
To determine if a mark is one of these, you can attempt to remove it with a simple eraser.
What is a Spot?
This specific test for hemostats involves closing the tool on the first ratchet and striking it against a surface to see if it remains locked.
What is the "Tap Test"?
This device should be used to inspect the internal surfaces of long shafts in laparoscopic instruments.
What is a Borescope?
This series of stainless steel is nonmagnetic, highly malleable, and used for items like basins and retractors.
What is the 300 Series (Austenitic)?
These parts connect the handle to the jaws and are responsible for transferring closing force.
What are Shanks?
Unlike spots, these are permanent changes to the metal surface often caused by electrolysis or harsh chemicals.
What are Stains?
These substances should never be used for lubrication because they interfere with steam sterilization.
What are Oil or Grease?
Because they have complex moving parts and internal channels, these instruments present a significant maintenance challenge.
What are Flexible Endoscopes?
This type of plating, applied to brass or non-stainless instruments, is risky because it can chip and enter a surgical site.
What is Chrome Plating?
These features on the jaws of artery or hemostatic forceps provide a strong grip for clamping blood vessels.
What are Serrations?
Mixing "floor grade" instruments with superior grades during this cleaning process can cause the spread of corrosion.
What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?
This document provided by the manufacturer is mandatory to follow to ensure safe handling and instrument longevity.
What is the Instructions for Use (IFU)?
When cleaning powered surgical equipment, you should never immerse in liquid.
What are Batteries? Cords, cameras, can be answers too.