Published Articles

Industry Articles Showcasing Rick Schultz’s Expertise Regarding Surgical Instruments

Rick Schultz, The Instrument Whisperer has authored hundreds of articles over the last 33 years in national and international publications. The links included on this page are a small sampling from IAHCSMM's Communique. With knowledge from these articles, you will raise patient safety, reduce infections, and produce cleaner instruments.

  • 'Always’ Is Important When Inspecting Surgical Instruments
  • Orthopedic Instruments Must Be Kept Sharp
  • Sharp Instruments Are Safe Instruments
  • Knowledge Is King - Part 2
  • Knowledge Is King
  • Improve Your Repair Vendor Relations and Expectations
  • Inspecting Ring-Handled Forceps (Hemostats)
  • Don’t Fear Laparoscopic Instruments
  • Testing and Sharpening: Kerrison Rongeurs
  • Cutting and Sewing: Scissor and Neeedle Holder FAQs
  • How to Inspect and Test Cardiac Instruments
  • Case Cart Inspection and Instrument Marking Tape Application
  • Let's Cut Deep on Scissor Inspection: 5 Most Popular Scissors
  • What to Teach a New Technician - Part V

    New technicians will learn about:

    • OB/GYN Instruments
    • ENT Instruments
  • What to Teach a New Technician - Part IV

    New technicians will learn about:

    • Orthopedic Instruments
  • What to Teach a New Technician - Part III

    New technicians will learn about:

    • Tissue and Dressing Forceps
    • Laparoscopic Instruments
  • What to Teach a New Technician - Part II

    New technicians will learn about:

    • Retractors
    • Suction devices
    • Scalpel handles
  • What to Teach a New Technician - Part I

    New technicians will learn about:

    • Scissors
    • Needle Holders
    • Hemostats
  • Don’t be Afraid of Laparoscopic Instruments
    • Inspection of insulation
    • Sharpness testing
    • Three generations of Lap instruments
  • Scissor and Needle Holders 101
    • Discover scissor sharpening
    • Needle Holder inspection
    • See jaw tread wear
  • Hemostats 101: Understanding One of the Most Common Surgical Instruments
    • Learn most common hemostats
    • Uncover tips for hemostat usage
    • Learn hemostat inspection techniques
  • Needle holders: Proper Care and Inspection Crucial to Their Performance
    • Learn types of needle holders
    • Understand common misconceptions
    • Learn quick inspection techniques
  • Instrument Measuring: Why Precise Descriptions Are Necessary When Completing Count Sheets
    • Understand precise descriptions
    • Learn specfic measuring terms
    • Discover objective surgical language
  • Instrument Repair Secrets That Can Help Deliver Better Outcomes, Greater Value
    • Discover preventative guidelines
    • Learn how to evaluate repair vendors
    • Understand how to manage repair costs
  • MEDICA Trade Fair: New Technologies in Healthcare
    • Understand new technology
    • Discover new techniques
    • Learn equipment budgeting
  • Don't Be Fooled by Common Instrument Processing Myths
    • Dispel common myths
    • Learn instrument processing
    • Learn most current testing techniques
  • The Ins and Outs of Suction Tubes
    • List most popular suction tubes
    • Learn safety risks
    • Answer common questions
  • Do Your Surgical Instruments Look Ugly?
    • Learn proper tool sanitization
    • Understand tool protection
    • List common stains
  • Making the Cut: Scissors 101
    • Learn scissor types
    • Learn proper scissor testing
    • Understand correct tape application
  • Care and Maintenance of Kerrison Rongeurs
    • Understanding how to measure
    • Learn key inspection points
    • Demonstrate how to test sharpness
  • Laparoscopic Instruments Costly and Difficult to Clean
    • List generations of lap instruments
    • Learn key inspection points
    • Recognize different handle styles
  • Sharp Instruments Are Safe Instruments
    • Understand repair/sharpness frequency
    • Learn sharpness testing standards
    • Demonstrate how to test scissors
  • Key Inspection Areas for Common Gynecologic Instruments
    • Learn key inspection points
    • Describe differences between Graves and Pederson
    • Understand different instrument finishes
  • Proper Inspection of Self Retaining and Hand-held Retractors
    • Learn difference between self-retaining and hand-held retractors
    • Describe key inspection points
    • List common retractors
  • First Impression... Last Impression
    • Learn proper needle holder inspection
    • Understand why Kerrisons stick
    • Learn the difference between red and yellow scissor test material
  • Care and Maintenance of Tissue and Dressing Forceps
    • Learn how to inspect forceps
    • Discover cleaning methods
    • Proper measuring techniques
  • Understanding Instrument Metal Terminology
    • Discover the difference between 300 and 400 series stainless steel
    • Learn about passivation
  • Red, White and Blue - The Basics of Surgical Instrument Labeling
    • Instrument marking tape
    • Heat-fused nylon color coding (dipping)
    • Instrument engraving