29 January 2019
Please be aware of the cross-contamination risk when using automated scalpel blade removers (SBRs). If you use SBRs, there are immediate actions you should take to ensure safe practice.
Immediate actions for health services
- Conduct a site audit
- Identify clinical procedural areas that use automated SBRs.
- Risk assess the need to modify the use of automated SBRs based on type of clinical procedures that use scalpel blades.
- Remind staff of best practice for scalpel blade removers:
- Do not reuse scalpel handles once they have been inserted into a scalpel blade remover.
- Dispose of single use handles correctly.
- Do not manually remove blades.
Background
Our Infection Clinical Network was notified of a recent audit finding that identified the potential for misuse of automated scalpel blade removers (SBRs) in a podiatry clinic. Specifically, clinicians were using the same scalpel blade handle when replacing a scalpel blade mid-procedure.
Blood/body fluids and other microorganisms can potentially contaminate the blade handle as shown using UV light and fluorescent solution in the simulation below.
Best practice use of scalpel blade removers
- If the procedure will require a change in scalpel blades, make sure you have a second sterile blade handle available.
- Do not reuse scalpel handles once they have been inserted into a scalpel blade remover.
- Do not try to manually remove blades.
- At the end of a procedure:
- appropriately dispose of single patient use handles
- reprocess reusable handles according to AS4187:2014 Reprocessing of reusable medical devices in health service organisations.
More information
Infection Clinical Network