- What is a scalpel?
- What types of scalpel blades are there?
- Different packages of scalpel blades
- Using and removing a scalpel blade
What is a scalpel?
A scalpel is a commonly used medical instrument. It is a small knife with a sharp edge that allows you to cut tissue or other materials with great precision.
A scalpel consists of two parts: a handle (or holder) and a scalpel blade. The blade can come in various shapes. With scalpel blades, it is usually important that they are very sharp, and they are often replaced after only one or more cuts.
However, scalpel blades are not only used in medicine; many other users also benefit from a very sharp blade that cuts precisely.
What types of scalpel blades are there?
There are many different models, each identified 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 onwards) only fit on a standard scalpel handle 4. Both the blades and the handles come from various brands. Fine-tipped handles are also available. These are round, and the blade is inserted between them rather than being snapped into place.
A special surgical blade is the Stitch Cutter. This blade was specially developed for cutting sutures without injuring the skin. These are sterile blades that can be used without a handle.
Different packages of scalpel blades
Nowadays, sterile (individually) packaged scalpel blades are often chosen for hygiene and convenience. If sterile work is not required, it is sometimes cheaper to choose the non-sterile option, in which the blades are packaged in sets of 5.
There are also scalpels with handles, consisting of a plastic handle with a blade of a specific type attached to it. These scalpels are supplied sterile and are ready to use immediately.
Using and removing a scalpel blade
To attach the blade to a standard handle (No. 3 or 4), the blade must be removed from the packaging and carefully pushed onto the handle from top to bottom until it clicks into place. Proceed carefully and use the packaging to grip the blade by its blunt side. You can also hold the blade with fine forceps and place it on the handle in this way. Due to the beveled side on both the handle and the blade, this is only possible in one way.
On a fine (surgical) handle, there is a notch in the middle of the handle where the scalpel blade can be clamped in place.
If you want to remove the blade after use, preferably use a special scalpel blade remover or sharps container. You can also use forceps. Remove the blade carefully. The blades are still very sharp after use and cannot be disposed of with household waste. Preferably dispose of them in a sharps container or needle container, but always ensure they are sealed to prevent accidents.