Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for the removal and retention of bone screw rod reduction tabs extending from one or more bone screws implanted in a spinal column during a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, a removal and retention tool is provided having an elongated shaft with a channel formed therein that is configured to receive a rod reduction tab. The elongate shaft can be advanced over a rod reduction tab on a screw, and moved laterally to detach the reduction tab from the screw. The tool can include features to engage and retain the detached tab within the channel. Moreover, the tool can be configured to receive and retain multiple tabs, thus eliminating the need to remove the tool from a surgical site. The tool can also include a release actuator for releasing any tabs stored within the elongate shaft as may be needed.
