Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Spencer stitch scissors are small, straight, blunt-tipped ring-handled scissors made for cutting and removing sutures. One blade is notched or hooked to hold the suture, and the tips are blunt rather than sharp. Who uses them: clinicians and clinic staff who handle suture removal, and the buyers and students who need to tell them apart from other scissors.
What Spencer stitch scissors are
Spencer stitch scissors (also sold as Spencer suture scissors) are stitch-cutting scissors for removing sutures. WPI describes them as “stitch-cutting scissors or suture scissors for removing sutures or stitches”. They are a small hand instrument, not a general-purpose scissor; for how they sit among Mayo, Metzenbaum, iris and bandage scissors, see surgical scissors types.
How they are built
- Blades: WPI lists relatively short, straight, narrow blades.
- Tips: WPI describes them as blunt rather than sharp, to minimize risk; AliMed lists the Miltex 9-100 with straight blades and delicate points.
- Notch or hook: WPI says one blade is notched for grip and traction on the suture. A Henry Schein listing describes a small hook-shaped tip on one blade instead of a notch.
- Handles: finger rings.
- Material: WPI lists surgical-grade stainless steel or German steel, both described as autoclavable. A Miltex model sold by AliMed is listed in German stainless steel.
Spencer versus Littauer and reusable versus disposable
The Henry Schein listing for an Econo sterile Spencer (Littauer) suture scissors states that Littauer suture scissors typically have larger, less delicate tips than Spencer stitch scissors and are often used for removing larger sutures. That same listing is a sterile disposable product, while WPI lists autoclavable reusable steel. Product names differ between sellers, so compare the described tip and suture size rather than the name alone.
| Type | Typical use as listed | Key difference | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer stitch scissors | Removing sutures | Short, narrow blades with fine blunt tips; one blade notched or hooked | WPI; Henry Schein |
| Littauer suture scissors | Often removing larger sutures | Typically larger, less delicate tips than Spencer | Henry Schein |
| Reusable steel version | Repeated use after processing | Stainless or German steel, described as autoclavable | WPI |
| Sterile disposable version | Suture removal, supplied sterile | Stainless steel, sterile and disposable, sold 25 per case in the Econo listing | Henry Schein |
Sizes listed by manufacturers
| Product | Length | Material and note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPI 500380 | 9.0 cm (3.5 in) | Steel; German version carries a -G suffix | WPI |
| WPI 501703 | 10.75 cm (4.25 in) | Steel; German version 501703-G | WPI |
| WPI 501704 | 13.25 cm (5.5 in) | Steel; German version 501704-G | WPI |
| Econo sterile suture scissors | 3.5 in | Stainless steel, straight, blunt tips, sterile disposable, not made with natural rubber latex | Henry Schein |
| Miltex 9-100 | 3.5 in | German stainless steel | AliMed |
How to choose
The manufacturer and distributor listings state a few criteria:
- Suture size and tip: Henry Schein ties Spencer to finer tips and Littauer to larger tips used on larger sutures.
- Reusable or sterile disposable: WPI lists autoclavable reusable instruments; Henry Schein lists a sterile disposable one.
- Length: three lengths are listed by WPI (3.5, 4.25 and 5.5 in); the Henry Schein and AliMed listings are 3.5 in.
- Latex: the Econo listing states it is not made with natural rubber latex; check the product labelling for any other model.
Regulatory class
Under 21 CFR 878.4800, a manual surgical instrument for general use is a nonpowered, hand-held or hand-manipulated device, reusable or disposable, intended for use in various general surgical procedures. It is Class I (general controls) and exempt from premarket notification subject to the limits in 21 CFR 878.9. The regulation does not name Spencer scissors, so check a product’s labelling for its own classification statement.
Safe use and handling basics
- Follow the manufacturer instructions for use for the specific product, including processing instructions for reusable instruments.
- A sterile disposable instrument is supplied sterile and is not a reusable item.
- The Henry Schein listing says these scissors should not be used for cutting tissue.
Common mistakes
- Using them to cut tissue. The Henry Schein listing states they should not be used for that.
- Assuming a Spencer and a Littauer are the same. The listing describes Littauer tips as larger and less delicate, so the two names are not interchangeable.
Related reading: what is in a wound closure kit, dissecting scissors compared with Mayo scissors and what a hemostat is.
FAQ
What are Spencer stitch scissors?
WPI describes them as “stitch-cutting scissors or suture scissors for removing sutures or stitches”, with short, straight, narrow blades, blunt tips, one notched blade and ring handles.
How do Spencer stitch scissors differ from Littauer suture scissors?
A Henry Schein listing states that Littauer suture scissors typically have larger, less delicate tips than Spencer stitch scissors and are often used for removing larger sutures.
What sizes do Spencer stitch scissors come in?
WPI lists 9.0 cm (3.5 in), 10.75 cm (4.25 in) and 13.25 cm (5.5 in) models; the Henry Schein Econo and Miltex 9-100 listings are 3.5 in.
Are they reusable or disposable?
Both exist. WPI lists steel instruments described as autoclavable, while the Henry Schein Econo model is supplied sterile and disposable, sold in cases of 25.
Are Spencer stitch scissors a regulated device?
Manual surgical instruments for general use are Class I (general controls) and exempt from premarket notification subject to 21 CFR 878.9, but the regulation does not name Spencer scissors, so check the product labelling.
Sources
All sources checked 2026-10-30.
- WPI, Spencer Stitch Scissors (product listing): https://wpiinc.com/var-501703-spencer-stitch-scissors
- Henry Schein, Econo Sterile Spencer (Littauer) Suture Scissors: https://www.henryschein.com/us-en/medical/p/medical-surgical-supplies/surgical-instruments/scissor-suture/7264960
- AliMed, Miltex Spencer Stitch Scissors 9-100: https://www.alimed.com/products/miltex-spencer-stitch-scissors
- 21 CFR 878.4800, Manual surgical instrument for general use (Cornell LII text of the CFR): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/878.4800
