Study guide
Instrument identification in text
Text-based surgical instrument identification for CRCST study: forceps, clamps, retractors, scissors and suction tips, described by shape and use. Free quiz.
Last reviewed November 4, 2026
Learning instruments from descriptions
Instrument identification is part of preparation and of the terminology the outline mentions. This page and its drills describe each instrument in words: the jaw, the teeth, the ratchet and the job it does. There are no photos here, so pair it with time at a real tray.
Learn the differences that change the set: Kelly serrations stop halfway down the jaw, a Crile is serrated the full length, a mosquito is the fine version, a Kocher adds teeth at the tip, an Allis bites tissue, a Babcock does not. Mayo scissors are the heavy pair. Metzenbaum scissors are the long delicate pair. A DeBakey is atraumatic. Adson forceps are the small skin pair.
Try five questions
Five original questions. Answer each one to see the explanation and its public source. The full bank has 491.
Preparation and Packaging
A small hemostat has fine jaws with serrations running the full length of the jaws. It is used on small vessels. Which instrument is it?
Common questions
Will photos be added?
Only with a recorded public-domain or Creative Commons license and attribution. Until then the drill stays text.
Are these copied from a flashcard deck?
No. The descriptions are original and stick to standard instrument features. They are not a substitute for handling the real tray during your 400 hours.