Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

What thickness of cardstock is used for testing a rongeur?

1. Thickness of cardboard

2. Thickness of a business card

3. Thickness of a magazine

4. Thickness of a sheet of paper

The correct answer is: Thickness of a business card

The thickness of a business card is used for testing a rongeur because it provides a standardized and consistent measure that closely resembles the resistance and handleability of human tissue during surgical procedures. This thickness allows for a realistic assessment of the rongeur's cutting ability and effectiveness, ensuring that it meets necessary safety and performance standards. Using other materials, such as cardboard, would not accurately reflect the conditions under which surgical instruments operate, as it tends to be much thicker and sturdier than the biological tissue the instruments are designed to cut. Similarly, materials like a magazine or a regular sheet of paper are too thin and do not replicate the texture or resistance that a rongeur would encounter. Therefore, the choice of a business card provides the best simulation for the intended function of the rongeur in a clinical setting.