SAFETY SCALPEL, s.u., sterile, nº 15
Valid Article
SAFETY SCALPEL, disposable
Definition
A hand-held, manual surgical instrument constructed as a one-piece handle and scalpel blade (not an exchangeable component) used by the operator to manually cut or dissect tissue. It comes with a safety mechanism which significantly reduces puncture and cut wound hazards.
Disposable surgical instrument
Synonym
retractable scalpel
Specifications
The blade No.11 is an elongated triangular blade sharpened along the hypotenuse edge with a strong pointed tip making it ideal for stab incisions needed when lancing an abscess or inserting a chest drain. The blade No.11 is also used for other small incisions.
The blade No.15 blade has a small curved cutting edge and is the most popular blade shape ideal for making short and precise incisions. It is used in a variety of surgical procedures including the excision of a skin lesion
Technical specifications
- Plastic handle #3
- With stainless steel blade
- Protective cartridge completely covers the blade
- Retractable blade
- temporary forward lock position preventing uncontrolled retraction
- passing position
- rear permanent lock to be engaged prior to final disposal in a sharps container
- Sterile, for single use
Packaging & Labelling
Each scalpel is packed in a disposable peel pack allowing safe handling, and storage until needed for use and facilitating proper aseptic presentation. Often packed per 10.
Instructions for use
The scalpel blade is pushed out of the transparent blade protector by means of a pushing mechanism prior to its use.
After use, the pusher pulls the blade back until the safety mechanism at the back end of the scalpel handle locks it into position, making reuse impossible. The blade is now irreversibly retracted in the blade protector and no longer poses a hazard to staff.