- What is a scalpel?
- What types of scalpel blades are there?
- Different scalpel blade packages
- Using and removing a scalpel blade
What is a scalpel?
A scalpel is a commonly used medical device. It is a small knife with a sharp edge, with which you can cut tissues or other materials very precisely.
A scalpel consists of two parts: a handle (or grip) and a scalpel blade. The blade can have different shapes. Because scalpel blades are generally important to be very sharp, they are often replaced after one or more cuts.
But scalpel blades are not only used in the medical world, many other target groups also benefit from a very sharp and precise cutting blade.
What types of scalpel blades are there?
There are many different models that are indicated by a number. Each number differs in its shape and size. The most commonly used blades are numbers 9 to 26. When purchasing scalpels, pay close attention to the handle that fits the type of scalpel blade you want to buy.
Small scalpel blades numbered 9 to 18 fit on a standard scalpel handle 3 while larger blades (from model 18) only fit on a scalpel handle 4. The blades and handles come from different brands. In addition, fine handles are also available. These are round and the blade is slid between them instead of being clicked.
A specialized surgical blade is the Stitch-cutter. This blade is specially designed to cut sutures without damaging the skin. These are sterile blades that can be used without a handle.
Various scalpel blade packages
Today, for reasons of hygiene and convenience, sterile packaged scalpel blades (individually) are often chosen. If it is not necessary to work sterile, it is sometimes cheaper to choose the non-sterile variant where the blades are packaged in 5 pieces.
There are also scalpels with handles, consisting of a plastic handle with a certain type of blade on it. These scalpels are supplied sterile and are immediately ready to use.
Using and removing a scalpel blade
In order to place the blade on a regular handle (no. 3 or 4), the blade must be removed from the packaging and carefully slid from top to bottom onto the handle until it clicks into place. Do this with caution and use the packaging to grip the blade by the blunt side. You can also use fine forceps to hold the blade and place it on the handle. Due to the angled side of the handle and the blade, this can only be done in one way.
With a fine (surgical) handle, there is a notch in the middle of the handle, where the scalpel blade can be tightened.
If you want to remove the blade after use, preferably use a scalpel remover or knife container. You can also use forceps to remove the blade carefully. The blades are still very sharp after use and cannot be thrown away with regular waste. Preferably in a knife container or needle container, but in any case closed so that accidents do not happen.