What kind of paper is used to test the sharpness of surgical instruments?

• A. Regular printer paper
• B. Gift wrap tissue paper
• C. Sandpaper
• D. Construction paper

Answer: (B)

The type of paper commonly used to test the sharpness of surgical instruments is gift wrap tissue paper. This specific paper is chosen because of its lightweight and thin characteristics, which allow the sharpness of the instrument to be effectively assessed. When a surgical instrument, such as a scalpel or scissors, is drawn across the tissue paper, a sharp instrument will easily cut through the material, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Using thinner paper is essential; the test needs to be sensitive enough to detect subtle differences in sharpness, which is something that gift wrap tissue paper can accomplish. Other materials, such as regular printer paper or construction paper, are generally too thick and durable to provide an accurate indication of sharpness. They could cause a blunt or dull instrument to appear sharper than it is, leading to misleading results. Sandpaper, while abrasive, is not suitable for this precise assessment, as its texture could damage the cutting edge of the surgical instrument and falsely interpret its condition. This makes gift wrap tissue paper the preferred choice for sharpness testing in surgical settings.