Every IUD and IUS fitting in the UK requires the same core set of single-use instruments, consumables and supporting equipment. Whether you are setting up a new LARC clinic in general practice or restocking an established sexual health service, this checklist covers exactly what you need on the procedure trolley, what to keep in reserve, and where to source it.
The list below follows the FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare) clinical standards and reflects current NHS commissioning requirements for intrauterine contraceptive device fittings in primary care.
In this article
- Complete IUD fitting equipment checklist
- Essential instruments for IUD insertion
- Which speculum for IUD fitting?
- Consumables and single-use supplies
- Clinic room setup and supporting equipment
- Emergency equipment for IUD clinics
- How to order IUD fitting supplies in the UK
- FAQ
Complete IUD fitting equipment checklist
The table below is a printable reference for your procedure trolley. Every item listed is required for a standard IUD or IUS insertion following FSRH guidelines. Items marked with an asterisk are also needed for removal and reinsertion appointments.
| Category | Item | Quantity per fitting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instruments | Cusco vaginal speculum (single-use, with lock)* | 1 | Medium is the most common starting size |
| Uterine sound (disposable)* | 1 | Measures uterine cavity depth (6 to 9 cm typical) | |
| Tenaculum or single-tooth vulsellum forceps | 1 | Stabilises the cervix during insertion | |
| Rampley sponge holder (7 inch or 25 cm) | 1 | For antiseptic application to the cervix | |
| Long curved scissors (if IUS/IUD threads need trimming) | 1 | Disposable preferred | |
| Consumables | Sterile examination gloves (nitrile, powder-free) | 2 pairs | One pair for bimanual exam, one for insertion |
| Antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) | 1 sachet | For cervical cleansing | |
| Sterile gauze swabs | 3 to 5 | For antiseptic application and clean-up | |
| Water-based lubricant gel (sterile sachets) | 1 to 2 | For speculum insertion | |
| Disposable absorbent sheet or procedure drape | 1 | Under the patient | |
| Pregnancy test (hCG cassette or strip) | 1 | Must be performed before every fitting | |
| Clinical waste bag (yellow) | 1 | For contaminated sharps and waste | |
| Sanitary pad | 1 | For the patient after the procedure | |
| The device | IUD or IUS (patient-specific prescription) | 1 | Check expiry date and packaging integrity |
Essential instruments for IUD insertion
The instrument tray for an IUD fitting is compact. You need a speculum, a uterine sound, a tenaculum or vulsellum, and a sponge holder. All four are available as sterile, single-use, disposable instruments, which most UK clinics now prefer because they eliminate reprocessing costs and cross-contamination risk.
Uterine sounds
A uterine sound measures the depth and direction of the uterine cavity before the device is loaded. This step is mandatory: inserting an IUD without sounding risks perforation. Disposable uterine sounds are typically 225 mm long with centimetre markings along the shaft. The two most widely used in UK primary care are the PELIspec (by Pelican Healthcare) and the ComfiSound (by Merlin Medical).
If the cervical os is tight, a Hegar dilator may be needed to gently open the canal before sounding. Single-use Hegar dilators are available in graduated sizes starting from size 1/2.
Single-use, sterile uterine sound with clear centimetre markings. Preferred by UK GP practices for LARC clinics.
Sponge holders
The Rampley sponge holder grips gauze soaked in antiseptic solution and is used to swab the cervix before insertion. Disposable versions (7 inch or 25 cm) are standard in UK clinics. The instrument is also used in cervical screening and other gynaecological procedures, so most practices keep a good stock.
Which speculum for IUD fitting?
A Cusco-type vaginal speculum with a locking mechanism is the standard for IUD insertion. The lock holds the blades open at the desired width, freeing both of the clinician's hands for the insertion procedure. Speculums without a lock are not suitable because they require one hand to hold them open.
UK clinics typically stock three or four sizes and select based on patient anatomy:
| Size | Colour code | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small / virginal | White or clear | Nulliparous patients, adolescents |
| Small | Yellow or green | Most nulliparous patients |
| Medium | Green or clear | Most common size, parous patients |
| Medium-long | Brown | Patients with a higher cervix |
| Large | Blue | Multiparous patients, higher BMI |
All single-use speculums sold in the UK should be CE or UKCA marked and individually wrapped in sterile packaging. Popular brands include Cusco (by PELIspec/Pelican), EcoGold, Ultraspec, Comfispec and Instraspec. The Ultraspec range includes a free sidewall retractor with every pack, which can be useful when the vaginal walls obscure the cervical view.
Single-use, sterile Cusco speculum with integrated lock. Available in extra small, small, medium, medium-long and large.
Consumables and single-use supplies
Beyond the instruments, each IUD fitting uses a standard set of consumables. Most UK practices purchase these in bulk to keep per-procedure costs down.
Gloves: Two pairs of sterile or non-sterile nitrile examination gloves per fitting. The first pair is used for the bimanual pelvic examination, then changed before the sterile insertion procedure. Powder-free nitrile is the current standard because it avoids latex allergy reactions and offers better chemical resistance.
Lubricant: A water-based, sterile lubricant gel in single-use sachets. This is applied to the speculum blades before insertion. Oil-based lubricants must not be used because they can degrade the IUD material. PELIjelly by Pelican Healthcare is the most widely used brand in UK LARC clinics, supplied in convenient 5 g sachets.
Antiseptic: Either chlorhexidine gluconate (0.5% in 70% alcohol) or aqueous povidone-iodine (10%) for cervical cleansing. The choice depends on local policy and patient allergy history. The antiseptic is applied to the cervix and external os using a gauze swab held in a sponge holder.
Pregnancy test: An hCG urine test must be performed on the day of fitting if pregnancy cannot be reasonably excluded. Rapid cassette or strip tests give a result within minutes. Keep at least 25 tests in stock per clinic session.
Sterile, water-based lubricant in single-use sachets. The UK standard for speculum examinations and IUD fittings.
Clinic room setup and supporting equipment
An IUD fitting room needs to meet minimum standards set by the CQC (or equivalent regulatory body in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Beyond the disposable instruments and consumables, the room itself requires:
- Examination couch with adjustable backrest and stirrups or a foot rest. A height-adjustable couch makes the procedure more comfortable for both patient and clinician.
- Good lighting: A mobile LED examination lamp positioned to illuminate the cervix clearly.
- Couch roll for hygiene between patients.
- Hand washing facilities with liquid soap and paper towels within the room.
- Clinical waste bins: A yellow clinical waste bin and, if using sharp instruments, a sharps container.
- Privacy screen or curtain for the patient to undress.
- Resuscitation equipment accessible within the building (see emergency section below).
Emergency equipment for IUD clinics
Vasovagal episodes are the most common adverse event during IUD fitting. Cervical shock, though rare, can also occur. Every clinic offering LARC services must have the following emergency equipment readily accessible:
- Blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter
- Emergency drugs: atropine (for bradycardia/cervical shock), adrenaline (for anaphylaxis), GTN spray (not routinely required but advisable)
- Basic airway management equipment (oropharyngeal airways, bag-valve-mask)
- Oxygen supply
- A tilt mechanism or the ability to place the patient in the Trendelenburg position
These items should be checked at the start of every clinic session, and all staff should be trained in their use. The FSRH recommends that clinicians fitting IUDs hold current ILS (Immediate Life Support) certification as a minimum.
How to order IUD fitting supplies in the UK
GP practices and sexual health clinics can order IUD fitting supplies through their usual NHS Supply Chain account or directly from specialist medical suppliers. Disposable instruments are typically more cost-effective than reusable alternatives when you factor in decontamination, sterilisation and instrument tracking costs.
When budgeting, a single IUD fitting uses approximately £8 to £15 in disposable instruments and consumables (excluding the device itself). For a practice running two LARC sessions per week with four fittings per session, that translates to roughly £250 to £500 per month in consumables.
At Vena Cava, we supply the full range of IUD fitting instruments and consumables to GP practices, sexual health clinics and NHS trusts across the UK. Orders over £35 qualify for free delivery, and we hold stock of all the core items listed in this guide for next-day dispatch.
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Browse our full range of gynaecology instruments, speculums and single-use supplies for IUD and IUS fittings.
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Frequently asked questions
What equipment is needed for an IUD fitting?
An IUD fitting requires a Cusco vaginal speculum with a lock, a disposable uterine sound, a tenaculum or vulsellum forceps, a sponge holder, antiseptic solution, sterile lubricant, nitrile gloves, gauze swabs, a pregnancy test and the IUD or IUS device itself. The fitting room also needs an examination couch with a light source and access to emergency resuscitation equipment.
Are disposable or reusable instruments better for IUD fitting?
Most UK practices now use single-use disposable instruments for IUD fittings. They eliminate the need for decontamination and sterilisation, reduce cross-contamination risk and are often more cost-effective when you include reprocessing costs. The FSRH does not mandate one type over the other, but disposable instruments simplify compliance with infection control standards.
How much does it cost to set up an IUD fitting clinic?
The per-procedure cost for disposable instruments and consumables (excluding the device) is typically between £8 and £15. The main capital expense is the examination couch and lighting. A practice can set up a functional LARC clinic room for under £2,000 if it already has basic consulting room infrastructure.
Do I need a pregnancy test before every IUD fitting?
Yes. FSRH guidelines state that pregnancy should be reasonably excluded before every IUD or IUS insertion. In most cases this means a urine hCG test on the day of the procedure. If the patient is within the first 5 days of their menstrual cycle, additional pregnancy testing may not be required, but most clinics test routinely as a safeguard.
What size speculum is most commonly used for IUD fitting?
Medium is the most commonly used size. However, clinics should stock at least three sizes (small, medium and medium-long or large) to accommodate different patient anatomies. Nulliparous patients often require a small speculum, while patients with a higher BMI or higher cervix may need a medium-long or large.
Where can I buy IUD fitting supplies in the UK?
IUD fitting supplies are available through NHS Supply Chain, direct from manufacturers (such as Pelican Healthcare, Merlin Medical and Robinson Healthcare) or from specialist medical equipment suppliers like Vena Cava. Ordering from a supplier that stocks the full range lets you consolidate your order and qualify for free delivery thresholds.
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