Scalpels: How do you use scalpel blades and what types are there?

1. What is a scalpel?
2. What types of scalpel_blades are there?
3. Different_packages of scalpelblades
4. Using and Removing_a Scalpel Blade

What is a scalpel?

A scalpel is a commonly used medical device. It is a small knife with one sharp side, with which you can cut tissue or other material very accurately.

A scalpel consists of two parts: a handle (or handle) and a scalpel blade. The blade can have different shapes. Because with scalpel blades it is usually important that they are very sharp they are often replaced after just one or several cuts.

But scalpel blades are not only used in the medical world, many other target groups also benefit from a very sharp, accurately cutting blade.

What types of scalpel_blades are there?

There are many different models that are indicated by a number. Each number differs in shape and size. The most commonly used blades are numbers 9 to 26. When purchasing scalpels, pay close attention to which handle is suitable for the type of scalpel blade you want to buy.

The smaller scalpel blades numbered 9 to 18 fit on a standard scalpel handle 3 while the larger blades (from model 18) only fit on standard scalpel handle 4. Both the blades and the 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 on.

A specialist surgical blade is the Stitch Cutter. This blade is specially designed for cutting through sutures without damaging the skin. They are sterile blades that can be used without handle.

Various packages of scalpelblades

Nowadays, for reasons of hygiene and convenience, sterile (each) packaged scalpel blades 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 packed per 5 pieces.

There are also scalpels with handle, consisting of a plastic handle with a blade of a certain type on it. These scalpels are supplied sterile and are immediately ready for 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 on the handle until it 'clicks' into place. Do this carefully and use the packaging to grasp the blade on the blunt side. You can also use fine pliers to hold the blade and place it on the handle in this way. Due to the slanted side on both 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 clamped.

If you want to remove the blade after use, preferably use a special scalpel remover or knife container. You can also use pliers remove the blade carefully. The blades are still very sharp after use and cannot be disposed of with regular waste. Preferably in a knife container or needle container, but in any case closed so that no accidents can happen.