Abstract: A disposable surgical instrument passer is disclosed for conveying surgical instruments between nurses, doctors and other medical personnel during the performance of surgical procedures and the like. The instrument passer generally comprises an elongate receptacle for receiving surgical instruments, a handle connected to the receptacle for hand-carrying the receptacle, and a flared shield positioned adjacent the handle for shielding a holder's hand from contact with the usually sharp instruments while the instruments are being placed into the receptacle and preventing possible injury and transmission of infectious disease. A disposable instrument passer and small instrument disposal container combination is also disclosed wherein the passer includes a container for permanently receiving small disposable instruments and safely containing the instruments for permanent disposal.