The Federal Supply Catalog contains all standard stock items available to agencies of the United States Government. It furnishes identification and management data for single-manager supply items. The sections of the catalog that are of special interest to the Hospital Corpsman are those dealing with medical items, as listed in the NAVSUP P-485, volume I, chapter 2. Each subsection deals with specific categories of material.

The following is a description of the subsections of Federal Supply Catalog, Medical Material, 6500 section:

Introduction-provides a general overview of the contents and use of the catalog.

Alphabetical Index-contains a list of item names, colloquial names, synonyms, common names, and trade names, referenced to index numbers, that help locate an item within the subsection.

Glossary of Colloquial Names and Therapeutic Index (6505/6508 subsection only)-contains colloquial names, synonyms, and trade names arranged in alphabetical order and cross-referenced to appropriate National Item Names. Items are also classified by therapeutic use.

Group 65 Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Supplies and Equipment

6505 -Drugs Biological, and Official Reagents

6508 -Medicated Cosmetics and Toiletries

6510 -Surgical Dressing Material

Identification List (IL)-contains the following four sections:
1. Preface-Each subsection contains a preface that includes special instructions pertaining to that individual subsection.

2. Alphabetical Index-This list of National Item Names is cross-referenced to index numbers to help locate an item when the NSNis not known.

3. National Stock Number Index-This list of NSNs is arranged in numerical order and referenced to index numbers to help locate an item within a subsection.

4. List of Items index number-Some items are illustrated for clarity. Each item listed includes action codes; handling and/or storage codes, if any; NSN; and a brief description of the item.

Action Codes-Additions, deletions, or revisions of published data are identified as follows:

Index Numbers-Items are presented in alphabetical order; index numbers are assigned
in ascending sequence within each pamphlet. They are used solely as a locator device and not in place of NSNs.

National Stock Number Index-NIINs are listed in numerical order.

Descriptive Data-Important distinguishing characteristics are stated in this section.
Description-Information which appears below the item name and above the box in which the index number, NSN, and data are arranged. Operational data may appear as a footnote such as "cold weather use only."

Notes-Information regarding item special storage and handling procedures are as follows:

Navy Management Data List-This list contains all items in the subsection and shows unit of issue, price, and authorized substitutions. A separate Navy Management Data List is published for each Identification List.