What gold ring handles on a needle holder mean
CRCST practice question · Preparation & Packaging
A needle holder has gold-colored ring handles. What does this usually indicate?
- A. The instrument is made of titanium and can't be steam sterilized
- B. The jaws have tungsten carbide inserts
- C. The instrument is a single-use item
- D. The instrument is for ophthalmic use only
Answer
B. The jaws have tungsten carbide inserts
Gold handles are an industry convention for tungsten carbide inserts in the jaws or blades. Tungsten carbide is harder and wears longer than stainless steel. Gold handles don't mean the item is single-use or limited to one specialty, and these instruments can usually be steam sterilized.
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