54 PROCESS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 www.myhspa.org INSTRUMENT WHISPERER This article provides information about a range of devices and will serve as a strong knowledge foundation for new technicians. Cardiovascular instruments Cardiovascular instruments primarily are atraumatic (meaning no trauma), which allow gentle and safe grasping of vessels, tissue and organs. The working portion of cardiac clamps and forceps contains intricate serrations that must be inspected because this is where blood can accumulate and dry (see Figure 1). Figure 1: Cooley cardiovascular scissors and DeBakey vascular scissors require inspection for blood and bioburden. Cardiac scissors are tested on yellow scissor test material and require frequent testing (weekly) due to the precision cutting and delicacy of the surgery. These specialty scissors are either spring handled or ring handled and range from 4" to 7" in length (regardless of their length, all are tested on yellow scissor test material). A popular cardiac scissor is the Potts- Smith scissor (see Figure 2). The correct angle and length of the scissor must match the count sheet.
OB/GYN instruments The Graves speculum is the most common variety of speculum used by practitioners. The blades of the Graves speculum are wider than the blades of the Pederson speculum. For example, the large Graves speculum is 1½" wide, while the large Pederson speculum is only 1" wide (see Figure 4). BY RICK SCHULTZ New Technician Training: Assortment of Knowledge Figure 2: Popular type of cardiac scissor Figure 3: Inspect needle holders for cracks, chips and retained debris Figure 4: Note the differences between the Graves and Pederson speculums.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 PROCESS 55www.myhspa.org INSTRUMENT WHISPERER Speculums are sometimes coated in a matte black finish. This coating, applied by a process called ebonization, eliminates the reflection on the instrument’s surface caused by a laser during a procedure (see Figure 5). This black coating is designed to absorb the laser rather than reflect it, thereby preventing patient injury. Note: The ebonized coating can become damaged through metal-to-metal contact. Care must be taken when storing and assembling surgical trays. Placing the instrument on a silicon mat can help prevent damage. Inspection of the black surface for chipping, especially on the edges, is critical after every use. In other cases, OB/GYN instruments are insulated in pink or blue. This type of insulated coating is non- conductive (see Figure 6). It is required for electrosurgical procedures, such as the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) and the Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ). This coating can become damaged (e.g., chips, nicks and cracks) and must be inspected before and after use. If the insulation is bubbled, torn, missing or chipped, the instrument must be sent out for repair. Failure to repair damaged insulation can result in thermal burns to a patient.
Retractors Retractors play a crucial role in surgery. As with all surgical instruments, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the most commonly used retractors, their primary differences, and how to inspect them properly. A handheld (manual) retractor must be held in position by a surgical assistant, resident, physician assistant or surgeon during the procedure. This type of retractor is used to move tissue, muscle, and organs aside to expose the surgical site. The technician must know the proper names and how to measure to ensure the correct retractor is placed into the surgical set (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Technicians must know the proper names of retractors and how to measure them correctly.
Self-retaining retractors have a ratchet-type mechanism to hold the instrument in the retracted position (this means they stay open on their own). A common example is the Weitlaner retractor (see Figure 8).
Q : As a Sterile Processing supervisor, I am struggling to help my staff learn proper instrument names. Can you offer any suggestions? A : Start with the basics. Have your staff create instrument groups to memorize (i.e., hemostats, scissors, needle holders) and then create fun, engaging games and reward them with instrument-knowledge certificates. You could also consider buying gold stars that technicians can put on their lockers when they can name all of the basic instruments. Keep learning enjoyable and rewarding (and be sure they are naming the instruments correctly!). Figure 5: Ebonized instruments like the Graves speculum pictured help prevent patient injury; they require careful handling to prevent damage. Figure 6: Non-conductive devices, such as the Graves speculum pictured, require careful inspection to ensure patient safety. Figure 8
56 PROCESS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 www.myhspa.org INSTRUMENT WHISPERER Suction tubes Suction tubes are used to remove fluids, thereby improving visualization of the surgical site. They have a relatively simple design and are available in various lengths, angles and diameters. Some of the most popular suction tube patterns include Frazier, Baron, Yankauer, Poole and House (see Figure 9). Suction tubes are essentially hollow tubes with a stylet and a finger valve to control suction; however, they can pose significant patient safety risks if not properly inspected and cleaned. Inspection of a suction tube, which is conducted in the Sterile Processing department, should begin at the distal tip. Frazier, Baron (see Figure 10) and House suction tubes must be inspected for sharp edges and dents. Instruments with these issues must be immediately removed from service and sent out for repair. Sharp tips can cause patient injury, and dents can compromise suction.
Figure 9 Figure 10 RICK SCHULTZ, the Instrument Whisperer™, is an author, inventor, lecturer, and the retired Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Surgical Instruments Corp. He served as contributing editor of HSPA’s Central Service Technical Manual (fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth editions). Schultz authored the textbooks Inspecting Surgical Instruments: An Illustrated Guide and The World of Surgical Instruments: The Definitive Inspection Textbook, which was released in June 2018. In October 2021, Schultz published the veterinary medicine textbook The World of Surgical Instruments for Animal Health. Schultz was named HSPA’s Educator of the Year in 2002 and the American Hospital Association Educator of the Year in 2006. In 2007, he was named by Healthcare Purchasing News as one of the 30 Most Influential People in Healthcare Sterile Processing. Schultz currently provides educational lectures to Sterile Processing professionals at HSPA’s annual conferences and conducts Operating Room personnel lectures across the country. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HSPA. The content provided in this column is also not a reflection or representation of any other company or organization with which the author may be affiliated. Dispelling SP-Related Myths on Social Media The Instrument Whisperer™ has observed a growing number of concerning trends across social media platforms related to instrument care and Sterile Processing practices. Among them are: • Individuals discarding all instruments marked “Pakistan” • Attempting to sharpen Mogen circumcision clamps • Frequently misusing or misidentifying instrument names • Inquiring about the temperature for sterilizing a C-section set • Questioning why instruments cannot be brushed on the clean side • Not knowing the correct placement of sharps in paper bags • Assuming slightly stained, high-quality scissors should be discarded • Mistakenly believing that stainless steel instrument brushes remove the passivation layer • Expressing frustration with repair companies, yet failing to hold them accountable The rapid dissemination of information across social media underscores the importance of exercising due diligence before sharing it further or acting on unvetted advice. These examples highlight the ongoing need for continuing education and evidence-based practices within the field.