Sterile Processing Instrument Identification and Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards created from Chapters 9 and 10 of the Sterile Processing Study Guide covering instrument identification, disinfection, sterilization, and surgical instrument terminology.

Vaginal Wall Retractor

An instrument used to hold the vaginal wall back so the surgeon can see and work in the area.

Mayo Scissors

Heavy scissors used for cutting tough tissue, sutures, or other dense material.

Metzenbaum Scissors

Thin, delicate scissors used for cutting and dissecting soft tissue.

Single Action Rongeur

A bone-cutting instrument with one movable jaw that removes small pieces of bone.

Double Action Rongeur

A bone-cutting instrument with two moving parts that provides more leverage for removing bone.

Tungsten Carbide

A very hard material added to instrument jaws or cutting edges to make them stronger and longer-lasting.

Microgrind

A very fine grinding process used to create a precise, sharp cutting edge on an instrument.

Thermal Disinfection

A process that uses heat to kill most microorganisms on instruments.

Disinfectant

A chemical used to kill or reduce microorganisms on nonliving surfaces.

Antiseptics

Chemicals used to kill or reduce microorganisms on living skin or tissue.

Wet Contact Time

The amount of time a disinfectant must stay wet on a surface to work properly.

Disinfection

A process that destroys or removes many harmful microorganisms, but it does not always destroy spores.

Bactericidal

Means able to kill bacteria.

Each Use

An instrument or product that needs to be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized after every use, depending on its intended use.

Sterilization

A process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.

Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA)

A high-level disinfectant used to disinfect certain heat-sensitive medical instruments.

Air Bubbles

Air trapped on or inside an instrument can prevent the disinfectant or sterilant from reaching the entire surface, which can interfere with proper processing.

Gelpi

A self-retaining retractor with sharp pointed tips that holds tissue apart.

Ratchet

The locking mechanism that keeps an instrument closed at a selected position.

Rongeurs

Instruments used to cut or remove small pieces of bone.

Passivation

A process that helps protect stainless-steel instruments from corrosion by creating a protective surface layer.

Martensitic

A type of hardened stainless-steel structure that gives instruments strength and hardness.

Scissors

Instruments with two blades used to cut tissue, sutures, or other materials.

Saline

A salt-water solution commonly used in healthcare. Saline can cause corrosion if it is allowed to remain on stainless-steel instruments for too long.

Forceps

Instruments used to grasp, hold, or manipulate tissue or objects.

Box Locks

The hinged area where the two halves of an instrument connect, such as on scissors or hemostats.

Jaws (Hemostat)

The working ends that grasp or hold tissue or vessels.

Serrations (Hemostat)

The ridges on the inside of the jaws that help grip.

Shanks (Hemostat)

The sections connecting the box lock to the finger rings.

Finger Rings (Hemostat)

The rings where the fingers are placed to control the instrument.