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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
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Short answer: a Kevorkian curette is a long-handled, stainless steel gynecologic scraping instrument, usually sold as an endocervical curette. The name “Kevorkian” is also attached to a different instrument, a cervical biopsy punch (a forceps-type device). Catalogues use the name for both, so check the item description before ordering or counting inventory.
What a Kevorkian curette is, and the name confusion
A curette is a scraping instrument. In U.S. device regulation, a uterine curette is described as “an instrument used to scrape and remove material from the uterus” (21 CFR 884.4530(a)(4), read 2026-10-31). The word “Kevorkian” does not appear in that regulation. In catalogues it identifies a specific design: the Kevorkian endocervical curette, and, separately, the Kevorkian, Tischler-Kevorkian and Kevorkian-Pacific biopsy punches.
Who uses it: gynecology clinics, procedure rooms and the buyers and sterile-processing staff who stock them. Students meet the name in instrument identification lists.
How it is built
One distributor listing for a Kevorkian endocervical curette (Fisher Scientific, read 2026-10-31) describes a stainless steel instrument about 12 in overall, with a 4 in handle, a 7 in shaft and a 1 in sharp, fenestrated, rectangular tip. The same listing says the design is available with or without a basket, and the listed item has none. These figures describe one example product, not a standard dimension for the instrument class.
The Kevorkian biopsy punches are built differently. The CooperSurgical Euro-Med Biopsy Punches instructions for use (modified 2023-11-07) describe dual spring locks in the handle and anchoring teeth, and a thumb tab intended to help prevent loss of the specimen during transfer to fixative.
Kevorkian curette, Kevorkian punch and uterine curette compared
| Instrument | What it is | Regulatory grouping | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevorkian endocervical curette | Long-handled scraping instrument with a sharp fenestrated tip; some designs add a basket | The name is not in the regulation. Whether an item falls under the uterine curette entry depends on the manufacturer’s labeling and listing | Fisher Scientific listing; 21 CFR 884.4530 |
| Kevorkian, Tischler-Kevorkian, Kevorkian-Pacific biopsy punch | Forceps-type punch with spring locks and anchoring teeth; sold for prescription use only | Gynecological biopsy forceps: FDA product code HFB, 21 CFR 884.4530, Class I | CooperSurgical IFU; openFDA classification; 21 CFR 884.4530(a)(14) |
| Uterine curette (generic) | Instrument to scrape and remove material from the uterus | FDA product code HCY, 21 CFR 884.4530, Class I, exempt from 510(k) subject to 21 CFR 884.9 | openFDA classification; 21 CFR 884.4530(b)(2) |
A frequent mix-up is assigning product code HFB to a curette. HFB is “Forceps, Biopsy, Gynecological”, not a curette (openFDA device classification, read 2026-10-31).
How FDA regulates these instruments
21 CFR 884.4530 covers obstetric-gynecologic specialized manual instruments, devices used for manipulative diagnostic and surgical functions where structural integrity is the chief performance criterion. Both the uterine curette and gynecological biopsy forceps are listed there as Class I and exempt from premarket notification (510(k)), subject to the limitations in 21 CFR 884.9 (regulation read 2026-10-31 on eCFR). The CooperSurgical IFU also carries the statement that U.S. federal law restricts the device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Sizes and specifications that matter
No size standard applies to the Kevorkian name. Read the item description for overall length, tip shape, whether a basket is present, and whether the instrument is reusable or single-use. The distributor listing above does not state single-use or reusable, so that detail has to come from the manufacturer’s labeling for the exact item.
Safe handling and care basics
These points come from the CooperSurgical biopsy punch IFU and apply generally to reusable stainless steel gynecologic instruments; always follow the instructions for use of the specific item.
- Handle each instrument individually rather than in stacks.
- Inspect jaws, hinges and screws for damage.
- Cleaning and sterilization follow the manufacturer’s validated method for the specific item.
This page does not describe how an instrument is used on a patient; clinical technique belongs to training and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common mistakes
- Ordering or recording a “Kevorkian” item without checking whether it is a curette or a biopsy punch.
- Applying product code HFB to a curette, or HCY to a punch.
- Treating the dimensions of one catalogue item as the standard for the whole class.
- Assuming reusable or single-use status without reading the manufacturer’s labeling.
Related reading
See the CASRAI guides on the uterine curette, the surgical curette, the colposcope and skin biopsy punch sizes (a different instrument from the cervical punch). Gynecologic instruments and related products are listed under gynecology and urology supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Kevorkian curette the same as a Kevorkian biopsy punch?
No. The curette is a scraping instrument; the punch is a forceps-type biopsy device. Catalogues use the Kevorkian name for both.
What FDA product code applies?
No FDA product-code record under the name “Kevorkian” was found. Uterine curettes are product code HCY and gynecological biopsy forceps are HFB, both under 21 CFR 884.4530 and Class I (openFDA, read 2026-10-31).
Sources
- 21 CFR 884.4530, Obstetric-gynecologic specialized manual instrument, eCFR, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-884/subpart-E/section-884.4530 (read 2026-10-31).
- openFDA device classification, product codes HFB and HCY, https://api.fda.gov/device/classification.json (read 2026-10-31).
- CooperSurgical, Euro-Med Biopsy Punches Instructions for Use (modified 2023-11-07), https://www.coopersurgical.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Euro-Med-Biopsy-Punches-Instructions-for-Use.pdf (read 2026-10-31).
- Fisher Scientific, Kevorkian Endocervical Curette listing, https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/kevorkian-endocervical-curette-1/501436832 (read 2026-10-31); a single distributor listing, used only as an example product.
