Pre-assembled instrument sets — built around a procedure or a surgeon’s preferences — save time in theatre, reduce opening of unnecessary instruments and make stock easier to manage. Here is how to get from preference cards to a finished set.
1. Gather the information
- The procedure(s) the set will be used for.
- Each surgeon’s preference card, or your current tray list.
- Any existing tray you want to replicate or replace.
2. List every instrument precisely
For each item note the pattern, length, straight or curved, and quantity — for example “Spencer Wells artery forceps, curved, 152mm × 6”. Where you have them, catalogue codes remove any doubt. If you are not sure of a pattern, a photo of the instrument next to a ruler helps.
3. Standardise where you can
Different surgeons often ask for very similar instruments. Agreeing a common core — with a small supplementary pack for individual preferences — reduces the number of different sets you hold and keeps costs down.
4. Check the container
Make sure the set fits your sterilisation containers or wraps, with room for instruments to be arranged without stacking heavy items on delicate ones. We can advise on layouts.
5. Send it to us
Send the list through our quote form or by email. We check availability, suggest alternatives if a pattern is unavailable, and quote for the complete set.
6. Labelled and easy to reorder
Each set is made up, checked and labelled to your list, so reordering a replacement — or a whole second set — is as simple as quoting its reference.
