- What is a scalpel?
- What types of scalpel blades are there?
- Different scalpel blade packaging
- Using and removing a scalpel blade
What is a scalpel?
A scalpel is a widely used medical instrument. It is a small blade with one sharp edge, which can be used 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 different shapes. Because it is usually important that scalpel blades are extremely sharp, they are often replaced after just one or a few cuts.
Scalpel blades are not only used in the medical world; many other users also benefit from an extremely sharp, precision cutting blade.
What types of scalpel blades are there?
There are many different models, each designated 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) fit exclusively on a standard scalpel handle 4. Both the blades and handles are available from various brands. Fine handles are also available. These are round, and the blade is slid between the parts rather than snapped on.
A specialist 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.
Different scalpel blade packaging
Nowadays, sterile (individually packaged) scalpel blades are often chosen for hygiene and convenience. If working with sterile instruments is not necessary, it may sometimes be more advantageous to choose the non-sterile version, in which the blades come in packs of 5.
There are also scalpels with handles from various brands, 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 place the blade on a standard handle (no. 3 or 4), remove it from the packaging and carefully slide it onto the handle from top to bottom until it 'clicks' into place. Do this carefully and use the packaging to hold the blade by its blunt side. You can also use fine forceps to hold the blade and place it on the handle in this way. Due to the angled side on both the handle and the blade, it can only be fitted in one way.
A fine (surgical) handle has a notch in the middle of the holder 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 blade container. The blade can also be carefully removed with forceps. The blades are still extremely sharp after use and must not be disposed of with regular waste. Preferably, dispose of them in a blade container or needle container, but always seal them securely to prevent accidents.