A Brief Introduction to Forceps for Laboratories

Laboratory forceps are surgical instruments that come in a variety of types. Here’s a brief overview to help you choose a set of forceps for your application. Surgical forceps can be divided into two broad categories, thumb forceps (also called tweezers) and hemostatic forceps. Tweezers can be further divided into dressing forceps and tissue forceps.

Tweezer/thumb forceps are the most common type of forceps used in laboratories. They are spring forceps with two tapered blades joined at the top, which are pinched together to pick up small objects, hold specimens, or manipulate delicate materials.

• Tissue forceps typically have fine, serrated jaws or teeth that allow for a precise grip on tissues without causing significant damage. They are designed to provide a secure grip without causing excessive trauma to the tissues. The serrations or teeth help prevent slippage and provide a secure hold.       

• Dressing forceps are primarily used for handling sterile dressings, gauze, cotton swabs, and other wound care materials. Dressing forceps typically have broader, flat, non-serrated jaws with a less aggressive grip compared to tissue forceps.

Hemostatic forceps are shaped more like scissors with ring handles. They generally have a locking mechanism to clamp and hold blood vessels or tissues during surgery or medical procedures.

Tweezer Tips and Shape

Forceps tips may be flat, serrated, cupped, ringed, grooved, diamond dusted, or have teeth. The tips may also be straight, curved, or angled. Flat tipped forceps are usually dressing forceps. Serrated thumb forceps are designed for use with tissues. The serrations or teeth actually cause less damage than flat forceps, because they require less pressure to maintain a firm grip. Use smooth or cross-hatched forceps for removing sutures, moving dressing, or other drapes. Forceps with very fine, delicate tips are often used in microsurgery and other precision tasks. They are ideal for handling small or fragile specimens without causing damage.

• Forceps with straight tips are most common for routine work and procedures where precision and control are required. They are easy to handle and manipulate.
  
  
• Forceps with curved tips are used when working in tight spaces or when reaching objects at odd angles. Curved forceps allow for improved visibility at the tip and better access to specific areas or objects that are difficult to reach with straight forceps.
  
  
• Angled forceps are useful when a clear line of sight is required and when working at an angle that is not easily accessible with straight tweezers.

Forceps Handles

The handles on thumb forceps may be smooth, grooved, round, or knurled. Handles with texture make them easier to hold. The round handles give you more maneuverability to rotate them between your fingers while you are working. The round handles are typically hollow to decrease the overall weight, making them efficient and non-fatiguing when operating under a microscope.

Materials

Laboratory forceps are typically made of surgical grade stainless steel or German steel, though some are also available in titanium or even Delrin (plastic). Stainless steel and titanium are autoclavable. Titanium surgical instruments are 40% lighter than stainless steel, making them ideal for long-term use and minimizing hand fatigue. They are non-magnetic, making them a great choice for MRI use. Titanium instruments are resistant to corrosion and durable, so they last longer. Delrin Tweezers have a high abrasion resistance, are highly heat resistant, non-conductive, anti-static, anti-magnetic, and waterproof.

Now that you know more about the different types of forceps for labs, you can choose the ideal type for your own laboratory applications. Whether you’re looking for hemostatic forceps, straight-tip forceps, or another model, WPI can cater to your needs. WPI offers a large variety of laboratory forceps. If you have questions, give us a call at (866) 606-1974 or email us at [email protected]. We can help you choose which forceps for laboratory use will best suit your applications and facility needs.

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