Since the onset of modern surgery, scalpels have been used for making skin incisions, dissecting tissues and other surgical procedures. With time, scalpels have become more sophisticated considering their different types and in-built safety mechanisms. But, using a scalpel is still an art. Let’s learn more about the types of scalpels and safety measures to follow when using them.
Types of Scalpels
Reusable Scalpel
As the name suggests, a reusable scalpel can be reused after a surgical procedure. But, it should be cleaned and autoclaved by someone who knows how to handle the device. There are two types of reusable scalpels:
- Reusable scalpel with a fixed blade – In this type of scalpel, there’s no need to change the blade.
- Reusable scalpel with a disposable blade – In this type of scalpel, the blade remains sharp and there’s no need to clean it. The blade can be removed after a single use. HMD offers Glass Van Surgical Scalpel sterilised with Ethylene Oxide. It comes with a removable plastic sheath for extra protection.
Disposable Scalpel
Disposable scalpels are meant to be used only once. After use, the entire device goes into the sharps bin. There are two types of disposable scalpels:
- Disposable fixed blade scalpel – It comes with safety features such as a blade cover or a retractable blade. The scalpel is meant for one-time use. You can check out Technocut Surgical Scalpels by HMD. These are disposable scalpels with removable plastic sheaths.
- Standard disposable scalpel – There’s no safety cover on this type of scalpel. It is also designed for single use.
Using a Scalpel Safely
Irrespective of the type of scalpel, it is important to use them with caution. Negligence could lead to lacerations and also cause blood-borne pathogens to get introduced into the bloodstream directly. Let’s look at some of the safety precautions when using a scalpel:
- Use disposable, fixed blade scalpel, if possible
- Wear a cut-resistant glove on the hand that will be near the blade
- Do not use a scalpel blade without a handle
- Ensure that the replacement scalpel blade is attached securely to the handle
- Excessive force or sawing motion should not be used with a scalpel
- Do not put a scalpel in pocket
- Never leave the open blade scalpel unattended
- Have a sharps container placed nearby during the use for easy disposal
- Follow one-handed technique when replacing the safety cover of the scalpel
- The blade should be covered, retracted and disposed of or stowed in a safe location, immediately after the use
- To clean or sharpen the blade, use cleaning equipment such as a brush with a handle. You can also use cut resistant gloves
Surgical scalpels are extremely sharp medical instruments and foundational in any surgeon’s tool-set. Following these scalpel-handling guidelines will ensure that medical practitioners and patients are safe. To learn more about the innovative range in Scalpels, check out the product catalogue of HMD. The leading manufacturer offers a complete range of single-use sterile and disposable scalpels.
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