Laryngoscope blades are used to view the vocal cords and the space between the cords, called the glottis. They are used during medical procedures involving the larynx and during tracheal intubation. The blades usually have lights to improve visibility for the doctor and, often, pointed ball tips to help squeeze past the epiglottis to get to the glottis. Others have design considerations that take into account small openings or minimize the risk of damage to the patient's teeth. There are four types of laryngoscope blades available: conventional, fiber optic, Heine style and disposable stainless steel blades.

The conventional laryngoscope blade comes in curved and straight blade designs. Both styles come in sizes 0 through 4. Size 0, the smallest blade, is used on babies, while the largest size, 4, is used on adults. Accessories, such as ports for oxygen and mirrors for added visibility, are available for conventional laryngoscope blades.

A fiber-optic laryngoscope blade is lightweight, may be curved or straight, and has a polished finish. The blade can be removed from its handle and replaced with a new blade. Fiber-optic laryngoscope blades can also be polished so the blade stays in good condition. Depending on the blade brand, fiber-optic blade sizes range from 0 to 5, with 5 being the largest blade.

Heine-style laryngoscope blades also come in curved and straight varieties. They have four handles available, including medium, penlight, stubby and extra-large. The blades are made of 303 or 304 stainless steel and most are all one piece, so there are no crevices or cracks to allow accumulation of debris; those that have more than one piece are said to be easy to sterilize. A fiber-optic bundle in the handle to the left of the Heine-style blade provides bright light and has a long life span. Depending on the brand of Heine-style blade, sizes again range from 0 to 5, with 5 being the largest.

Disposable laryngoscope blades are stainless steel with a plastic locking mechanism. These blades do not freeze in low temperatures so there is not a problem with the blade sticking to the tongue or mouth. After the blade is used, it can be disposed of and replaced with a new blade. There is a strong, bright source of light coming from the plastic fiber-optic bundle. Disposable laryngoscope blades are safe and present no danger of any type of cross-infection.

The sizes of disposable blade available again depend on the brand and style but range from 0 to 4. Size 0 is used in the neonatal unit and size 4 is used on adults. The handles come in five sizes — penlight, medium, stubby, large and extra-large. The blades are available in curved and straight design.