Although it has previously been thought that safety scalpels would improve sharps safety, evidence suggests this may not be the case. The term “safety scalpel” is a misnomer- there is no supportive proof that safety scalpels are actually safe. Active devices such as safety scalpels may provide a false sense of security to the end-user, which …
Operating Rooms: A High Risk Environment
Operating rooms are environments with a high risk of sharps injuries due to the frequent use of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments during surgical procedures. Sharps injuries can happen anytime in the operating room. Studies show that a significant portion of healthcare worker sharps injuries occur in surgical settings. Nurses on the Front Line …
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Is Your Healthcare Facility Compliant with the Latest EORNA Guidelines?
According to the EORNA Best Practice for the prevention of sharps injuries, perioperative staff should make sure to reduce the risk of injuries posed by medical sharps by implementing safe sharps practices such as the use to safety-engineered devices. These measures should include: Medical devices incorporating safety engineered mechanisms Effective training for staff in their …
Sharps Injuries and the COVID-19 Pandemic
What research conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us about sharps injuries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Key Points According to a 2021 European Biosafety Network study, sharps injuries surged by 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal College of Nursing’s report found that the number of sharps …
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What Nurses Need To Know About Sharps Injuries
Sharp injuries has always been a concern in the healthcare industry and in particular, nurses. Nurses are at high risk of being exposed to sharps, including needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects, in their daily work routines. This can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, as well as emotional and psychological trauma. In this …
Scalpel Cuts in the Manufacturing Industry
Scalpel blades are also used in a variety of industries outside of the medical industry, particularly in manufacturing. These are used for precision cutting tasks, such as cutting materials for electronics, automotive parts and upholstery, textile, and other products. Here are some ways scalpel blades are used in industrial manufacturing: Electronics Manufacturing: Scalpel blades …