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Needle Holder
Cross-Hatched Grip Interface: Features precision-milled serrations in the jaw interior to provide superior rotational stability and prevent needle slippage during high-tension suturing maneuvers.
Multi-Stage Ratchet Locking: Engineered with a robust box-joint construction and a graduated locking mechanism for consistent pressure application and reliable hands-free needle retention.
$2.09
Quick Answer: A needle holder is a ratcheted instrument with short, strong, cross-serrated jaws that grip a curved suture needle firmly. It is used for suturing practice on skin pads and suture models in medical, nursing and veterinary skills labs.
Jaws, Ratchet and Correct Loading
At first glance the instrument resembles artery forceps, but the jaws are shorter and heavier, and their faces carry a fine cross-hatched pattern rather than lengthwise grooves. This short, strong jaw holds a curved needle so it does not twist as it is driven through tissue. The Mayo-Hegar pattern, with a ratchet between the rings, is the one most often used in teaching; the listing does not specify the pattern.
Correct loading is the first lesson: the needle is gripped near the tip of the jaws, about one-third of the way from its swaged end (where the thread is attached), at a right angle to the jaws. Gripping the swaged end can bend or break the needle, while gripping too near the point makes it wobble.
Students then learn to drive the needle with a rotating wrist action that follows its curve, and to tie instrument knots by wrapping the thread around the jaws.
Applications
- Interrupted, continuous and mattress suture practice on skin pads
- Suturing practice on a suture arm or similar model
- Instrument knot-tying drills
- Fitting and removing scalpel blades, which is safer with this instrument than with fingers
Specifications
| Item | Needle holder (needle driver) |
| Jaws | Short, strong, cross-serrated |
| Lock | Ratchet between the finger rings |
| Use | Holding curved suture needles |
| Pattern and length | Confirm at enquiry |
Care & Handling
- Clean the needle holder’s jaws with a brush; suture material and tissue lodge in the fine serrations.
- Sterilise and dry, then store unlocked.
- Check that the jaws close evenly and hold a needle without it turning; worn jaws let needles slip.
Why Choose LabEquip
Needle drivers are core instruments for nursing schools, medical colleges and veterinary departments running suturing sessions, and they are often bought so that each student has one. LabEquip lists them in the Biology Lab Products range along with suture practice models; send quantities through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a suture needle be held in the needle holder?
About one-third of the way from the swaged end, near the tip of the jaws, with the needle at a right angle to them. This gives control without bending the needle.
How is a needle driver different from artery forceps?
Its jaws are shorter, stronger and cross-hatched to hold a needle without rotation. Artery forceps have longer, finer jaws with transverse serrations for clamping tissue.
Can it be used to change scalpel blades?
Yes. It is the usual tool for fitting and removing scalpel blades safely, keeping fingers away from the edge.
Why does the needle keep turning in the jaws?
The needle may be gripped too near the point, the ratchet may not be closed, or the jaw surfaces may be worn. Check each before continuing.
Can the instrument be autoclaved?
Steel needle drivers are generally steam sterilised with other surgical instruments. Autoclave them open and dry them afterwards.
What suture practice can students do with it?
Simple interrupted, continuous, vertical and horizontal mattress sutures, and instrument ties, on skin pads or suture models before any clinical work.
Last Updated: September 2026
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