Which instrument is commonly used to scoop alginate from its container?

• A. Spatula
• B. Foxes bite planes
• C. Retraction cord
• D. Elastomer impression material

Answer: (A)

Scoop work with alginate is done with a spatula. Alginate comes as a powder that you measure out and transfer into a mixing bowl, and the spatula’s flat, broad blade is exactly built for scooping powder from the container and blending it with water to get the right consistency. It also allows you to mix thoroughly without trapping air or clumping.

The other items have different roles: a Fox plane is used for occlusal/functional guidance in dentures, a retraction cord is placed around a tooth to retract soft tissue during impression taking, and elastomer impression material is the rubber impression itself, not the tool used to scoop powder.