Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
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Ring forceps are hand-held, scissor-type surgical forceps with finger-ring handles and a locking ratchet. In the manufacturer catalogue listings checked for this page, the instrument sold as a Foerster sponge forceps is the one with fenestrated (open-centre) oval jaws that hold gauze squares. This page compares those listings side by side and cross-walks the word “forceps” to the FDA’s separate device classifications, so you can tell which kind of forceps a question, a catalogue or a regulation is actually about. Clinic staff, surgical-instrument buyers and students are the usual readers.
What ring forceps are
“Ring forceps” names the handle: two finger rings with a ratchet that locks the jaws closed. The listings read for this page describe the working end as fenestrated, serrated oval tips. One distributor listing states that these forceps are commonly used in surgical procedures to hold gauze squares that absorb fluid and blood from the surgical site or for hemostasis (Sklar 87-2195 listing, McKesson Medical-Surgical, read 2026-11-07). Related guides: Kittner sponges and hemostats.
Ring forceps vs sponge forceps
In the listings read, they are the same instrument. The three products below are all titled sponge forceps (Foerster pattern) and all have ring handles; none of the listings draws a separate “ring forceps” category. The variation that does appear in the listings is jaw shape, straight or curved, rather than the name.
Types and variants
| Product (listing) | Jaw shape | Length | Tips | Handle and lock | Material and status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miltex Foerster #7-610 (Integra) | Curved | 9-1/2 in | Fenestrated, serrated, oval | Finger rings, ratchet lock | German stainless steel, non-sterile, reusable |
| Sklar Foerster #87-2195 | Straight | 9-1/2 in | Fenestrated, serrated, oval | Finger rings, locking | German stainless steel, non-sterile, reusable |
| Gynex Foerster #3540 | Straight | 9-1/2 in (24 cm) | Fenestrated, serrated, oval | Ring handle | Stainless steel, non-sterile, reusable |
Source: McKesson Medical-Surgical product listings for the three item numbers, read 2026-11-07. Only specifications stated in those listings are shown.
Sizes and specifications that matter
All three listings give a 9-1/2 inch (24 cm) overall length, so length does not separate them. The specifications that do vary are jaw shape (straight or curved) and material description (German stainless steel named in two of three). All three are supplied non-sterile and are described as reusable.
Which “forceps” is which: FDA classification cross-walk
FDA’s device classification database (openFDA, read 2026-11-07) lists forceps under separate product codes. General surgical forceps sit in the general group; biopsy and obstetrical forceps are distinct regulated devices.
| FDA product code and name | Class | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| GEN, Forceps, General & Plastic Surgery | 1 | 21 CFR 878.4800 |
| HTD, Forceps | 1 | 21 CFR 878.4800 |
| HFB, Forceps, Biopsy, Gynecological | 1 | 21 CFR 884.4530 |
| FCL, Forceps, Biopsy, Non-Electric | 1 | 21 CFR 876.1075 |
| HCZ, Forceps, Surgical, Gynecological | 2 | 21 CFR 884.4530 |
| HDA, Forceps, Obstetrical | 2 | 21 CFR 884.4400 |
| BWH, Bronchoscope biopsy forceps | 2 | 21 CFR 874.4680 |
21 CFR 878.4800 covers manual surgical instruments for general use, which are hand-held and may be reusable or disposable; they are Class I, exempt subject to 21 CFR 878.9 (Cornell LII copy of the CFR, read 2026-11-02).
How to choose
The only attributes the sources read give for telling these instruments apart are in the table: jaw shape (straight or curved), length, material and whether the instrument is reusable and non-sterile. For reusable instruments, reprocessing follows the manufacturer’s instructions; see what an autoclave is and the autoclavable versus single-use instruments comparison.
Safe use and handling basics
- The listings describe these forceps as non-sterile and reusable, so they are supplied to be cleaned and sterilized before use according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use the instrument for the purpose the manufacturer lists; the listing read states holding gauze squares or hemostasis.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every forceps is interchangeable: biopsy, gynecological and obstetrical forceps carry separate FDA product codes and, for several, a higher class than general surgical forceps.
- Looking for a separate “ring forceps” product category: the listings read file the instrument as a sponge forceps.
- Ordering by name alone when jaw shape differs: the Foerster listings above come in both straight and curved versions.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of biopsy forceps?
FDA lists biopsy forceps under several product codes: gynecological biopsy forceps (HFB, Class 1, 21 CFR 884.4530), non-electric biopsy forceps (FCL, Class 1, 21 CFR 876.1075) and bronchoscope biopsy forceps (BWH, Class 2, 21 CFR 874.4680). Ring (sponge) forceps are not listed as biopsy instruments. See the endoscopic biopsy forceps guide and the medical forceps types guide.
What is the difference between ring forceps and sponge forceps?
In the catalogue listings read, none. The Foerster sponge forceps are ring-handled, and the listings do not define a separate ring forceps instrument. Straight versus curved jaws is the variation shown.
What are forceps used for during birth?
Obstetrical forceps are a different device from ring forceps. FDA lists them as “Forceps, Obstetrical” (HDA), Class 2, under 21 CFR 884.4400. Their clinical use is a matter for the delivering clinician and is not covered here.
What are Kevorkian biopsy forceps used for?
Vendors describe Kevorkian forceps as a cervical or uterine biopsy punch, a different instrument from a sponge forceps. FDA groups gynecological biopsy forceps under code HFB. This page does not describe the procedure; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and your facility’s protocols.
Sources
- McKesson Medical-Surgical listings: Integra Miltex 7-610, Sklar 87-2195, Gynex 3540 (read 2026-11-07).
- FDA openFDA device classification database (read 2026-11-07).
- 21 CFR 878.4800, Cornell Legal Information Institute (read 2026-11-02).
