How to Insert a Scalpel Blade Onto a Handle

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insert a scalpel blade onto a handle

How to Insert a Scalpel Blade Onto a Handle

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Step 1 of 9

This guide will show you how to place a scalpel blade on your scalpel handle prior to use in the dissection lab.

Step 2 of 9
Gather your supplies.

Gather your supplies.

Step 3 of 9
Put on your gloves.

Put on your gloves.

Step 4 of 9
Open the scalpel blade wrapper. Look for the end with a split in the wrapper to ensure you open the dull end.

Open the scalpel blade wrapper. Look for the end with a split in the wrapper to ensure you open the dull end.

Step 5 of 9
Remove the blade from the wrapper using a pair of hemostats. Never handle the scalpel blade with your fingers!

Remove the blade from the wrapper using a pair of hemostats. Never handle the scalpel blade with your fingers!

Step 6 of 9
Align the edge of the scalpel blade to the edge of the scalpel handle.

Align the edge of the scalpel blade to the edge of the scalpel handle.

Step 7 of 9
As you slide the blade down, it will fall into the small grooves in the scalpel handle. Keep moving the blade down until it clicks into place.

As you slide the blade down, it will fall into the small grooves in the scalpel handle. Keep moving the blade down until it clicks into place.

Step 8 of 9
To remove the blade, clamp the base with a pair of hemostats. Lift the base of the blade slightly and begin pushing it off the handle. Make sure no one is in front of you as you remove the blade.

To remove the blade, clamp the base with a pair of hemostats. Lift the base of the blade slightly and begin pushing it off the handle. Make sure no one is in front of you as you remove the blade.

Step 9 of 9
Once removed, discard the used blade in a sharps container.

Once removed, discard the used blade in a sharps container.

You're Done

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2 Comments
Supplies

1 pair of latex gloves

1 #4 scalpel handle

1 #22 scalpel blade

1 Hemostat

Joanne Rosa

Interesting , have been using scalpes for 10 years and never done it like this!

Joanne Rosa 10 months ago

Alletta Ferreira

Also works for use in operating room, emergency room or gp surgery!

Alletta Ferreira 10 months ago

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