Which scissors should be used to cut sutures?

• A. Mayo scissors
• B. Iris scissors
• C. Suture scissors
• D. Metzenbaum scissors

Answer: (C)

Using the right instrument for cutting sutures is essential to prevent tissue injury and to make a clean, close cut. Suture scissors are designed specifically for this task. They have short blades and a blunt tip that helps you cut the suture edge right near the knot without nicking surrounding tissue. One blade often features a small notch to grip the suture, allowing a precise cut flush against the knot.

Other scissors are built for tissue work or delicate dissection: Mayo scissors are heavy and meant for thicker tissue, iris scissors are fine-titting for delicate structures, and Metzenbaum scissors are for blunt dissection of tissue. They don’t provide the same control or safety features for snipping sutures, so they’re not ideal for this purpose.