D&C Instrument Set: What to Include and How to Specify It

Core contents of a D&C set

A typical D&C instrument set holds a small number of purpose-built instruments. Their quality and finish matter more than quantity: jaw alignment, smooth hinges and stable steel will affect tissue handling and the life of the tray.

Keep the list short and standard across theatres so that nurses learn one layout; add procedure-specific items such as a hysteroscope or biopsy forceps on a separate tray.

REDA's gynecology instruments range lists the main items, including vaginal specula of the Cusco, Pederson, Collin and Sims type, Hegar uterine dilators, Recamier and other uterine curettes, uterine sounds, tenaculum and biopsy punch forceps, and ovum forceps and aspiration curettes.

• Vaginal speculum and, where used, a lateral retractor
• Tenaculum or volsellum to hold the cervix
• Uterine sound to measure the cavity
• Graduated Hegar dilators in a range of sizes
• Uterine curettes, sharp and blunt, in varied widths
• Ovum or polyp forceps, and kidney dish and swab forceps

Hegar dilators and how to specify them

Hegar dilators are solid, double-ended rods graduated in millimetres. A complete range lets the clinician progress gradually, and sets are usually bought as a graduated series. Check the smooth surface, rounded tips, clear engraving of size and a weight that suits the user.

Specify the size range and whether you want single-ended or double-ended rods. Hegar dilators are a basic item, so buy from a source with consistent steel quality and marking that survives repeated reprocessing. Ask whether the dilators are supplied individually or as a numbered series, since replacing one missing size is easier when it can be ordered separately.

Uterine curettes and the role of hysteroscopy

A uterine curette has a loop or spoon-shaped working end, which may be sharp or blunt, and a long shaft. Choose widths and angles to suit your case mix, and verify that edges are intact.

Guidance generally encourages direct visualisation where it is available, which is why the question of hysteroscopy D&C comes up: a hysteroscope is used to inspect the cavity before and after curettage, as discussed in our guide to the Bettocchi-type office hysteroscope and the wider gynecology instruments names and uses. The clinician decides the technique.

Reprocessing, trays and storage

Instruments must be cleaned before sterilisation: rinse early, avoid prolonged exposure to saline, open all hinges and brush the serrations. Inspect jaws and curette edges under good light and discard or repair damaged items. Lubricate hinges with a steam-permeable instrument milk when your process requires it.

Standardised trays reduce errors. REDA's sterilisation container system offers full, three-quarter and half-size containers, baskets and filters that suit compact gynaecology trays. See also our guide on sterilisation containers and trays.

Procurement checklist

Decide the tray list with clinicians and CSSD, count the number of sets needed for expected turnover, and ask for steel grade, finish, warranty, repair service and sharpening support. For recurrent consumables see gynecology consumables procurement.

Beckfinity can help you assemble a D&C set and tray system for your clinic; please request a quote or consultation.