Macintosh laryngoscope
The Macintosh is a curved laryngoscope blade, introduced by Sir Robert Macintosh in 1943 and today the most widely used blade for adult intubation. GERATI makes it in eight versions: four standard and four flexible tip, conventional and fiber optic, in sizes 00 to 5.
- 42 blade references
- Sizes 00 to 5
- AISI 304 stainless steel
- ISO 7376 hook-on fitting
Parts of a GERATI Macintosh blade (Mac 2, conventional)
Macintosh versions
All versions share the same curved profile. They differ in how the light reaches the tip and whether the tip can flex.
GA 101 Conventional
LED lamp on the blade. Fits conventional handles. Sizes 00 to 5. View product
GA 102 Fiber optic, interchangeable
Lamp in the handle, removable fiber light guide. Green-system handles. Sizes 00 to 5.
GA 103 Fiber optic, fixed tube
Fiber guide laser welded to the blade for simpler reprocessing. Sizes 00 to 5.
GA 104 Fiber optic, integrated
Fiber channel built into the blade body. Sizes 1 to 5. View product
Macintosh flexible tip (GA 301–304)
A McCoy-type Macintosh blade with a lever on the back. Pressing the lever raises the hinged tip for extra lift of the epiglottis, without more force on the handle. Available in conventional and three fiber optic versions, sizes 1 to 4. See flexible tip blades
Codes and working lengths
Every Macintosh code with its working length is listed in the size tables on the blades page, and in the downloadable catalogue.
Macintosh blade sizes
Seven sizes cover patients from premature infants to very large adults.
| Size | Typical patient group | Standard tip (GA 101–104) | Flexible tip (GA 301–304) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac 00 | Premature infants | Yes (GA 101–103) | – |
| Mac 0 | Neonates | Yes (GA 101–103) | – |
| Mac 1 | Infants | Yes | Yes |
| Mac 2 | Children | Yes | Yes |
| Mac 3 | Most adults | Yes | Yes |
| Mac 4 | Large adults | Yes | Yes |
| Mac 5 | Very large adults | Yes | – |
Patient groups are general guidance only. Blade selection is always a clinical decision.
How the Macintosh blade works
The blade is inserted on the right side of the mouth and the flange moves the tongue to the left. The rounded tip is advanced into the vallecula, the space between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis. Lifting the handle forward and upward raises the epiglottis indirectly and brings the vocal cords into view.
Because the tip does not touch the epiglottis itself, the curved blade is widely used for routine adult intubation. Read more about Macintosh blade uses.
Macintosh or Miller?
- Macintosh: curved, lifts the epiglottis indirectly; the usual choice for adults
- Miller: straight, lifts the epiglottis directly; often preferred for neonates, infants and young children
- Many hospitals stock both, which is why our anesthesia kits (GA 120-50 and GA 120-52) include both patterns
Macintosh laryngoscope sets
Each set contains one battery handle, the blades listed, 2 spare LED lamps and a hard case. The set code combines the family and the suffix: for example, GA 102-44 is a fiber optic interchangeable set with blades 1 to 4.
| Set suffix | Handle | Blade sizes | Available in |
|---|---|---|---|
| -30 | Adult | 2, 3, 4 | GA 101, 102, 103, 301, 302, 303, 304 |
| -40 | Adult | 0, 1, 2, 3 | GA 101, 102, 103 |
| -44 | Adult | 1, 2, 3, 4 | GA 101, 102, 103, 104 |
| -45 | Adult | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | GA 104 |
| -50 | Paediatric | 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 | GA 101, 102, 103 |
| -52 | Adult | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | GA 101, 102, 103 |
Specifications
- AISI 304 stainless steel, satin anti-glare finish
- 2.5 V LED light: on the blade (conventional) or in the handle (fiber optic)
- Hook-on fitting to ISO 7376 dimensions
- Steam autoclave up to 134 °C or high-level disinfection
- 5-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects
- CE marked, Class I, made under an ISO 13485 quality system
Match the blade to the handle: conventional blades with conventional handles, fiber optic blades with green-system handles.
Macintosh blades under your brand
Every Macintosh version can carry your logo, reference and lot number by laser marking, with your choice of finish, case and packaging. Private label starts at 50 units per model.
See the OEM programmeLearn more
- Complete guide to laryngoscope bladesAll blade types compared
- Fiber optic vs standard bladesWhich light system to choose
Frequently asked questions
Who invented the Macintosh laryngoscope?
Sir Robert Macintosh, an anaesthetist at Oxford, introduced the curved blade in 1943. It remains the most widely used laryngoscope blade.
What size Macintosh blade is used for adults?
Mac 3 is the most common adult size, and Mac 4 is used for larger adults. Blade selection is always a clinical decision.
What is the difference between Macintosh and McCoy blades?
A McCoy blade is a Macintosh blade with a hinged tip that is raised by a lever on the handle side. GERATI makes it as the Macintosh flexible tip range, GA 301 to 304.
Will GERATI Macintosh blades fit my existing handles?
Yes, if the handles use the standard hook-on fitting and the same light system: conventional with conventional, fiber optic with green-system fiber optic. We recommend testing a sample first.
Can Macintosh blades be autoclaved?
Yes, up to 134 °C. On conventional blades, remove the lamp first. Follow the instructions for use.
Order Macintosh blades or sets
Tell us the versions, sizes and quantities you need. We reply with prices, lead times and the documents available for your market.
Email sales@gerati.com WhatsApp +92 300 8610614- 8 Macintosh versions, sizes 00 to 5
- Conventional and fiber optic
- Sets with 2 spare LED lamps and hard case
- ISO 13485 quality system, CE marked, Class I
- OEM and private label from 50 units per model