Scalpel

From Ganfyd

A scalpel is a surgical cutting instrument. They consist of a handle onto which a blade is attached. The blades are always made of metal and were traditionally attached to a metal handle, although disposable plastic handles are now available.

Blades

Universal fitting. Remove with blade facing away with you.

Safety

• Pass via a container (e.g. metal kidney dish) rather than directly from hand to hand.
• Single-use disposals with blade already attached to handle increasingly used.

Alternatives to Scalpel

• Scissors (cuts away in contrast to scalpel that cuts towards or sideways)
• Diathermy
• Harmonic scalpel