Sterilization of Surgical Scalpels
Classification and Sterilization Requirements
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that scalpels be classified as "critical instruments" because they penetrate soft tissue and bone, requiring sterilization after each use to prevent infection transmission 1, 3
- All critical instruments must undergo complete sterilization rather than just disinfection to ensure patient safety, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2, 4
Pre-Sterilization Process
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests placing used scalpels in a container with water or disinfectant/detergent immediately after use to prevent drying of biological material, and wearing heavy-duty gloves during cleaning to prevent injuries 1, 6
- Cleaning can be done by manual scrubbing with soap and water/detergent solution, or using a mechanical device like an ultrasonic cleaner, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 6
Recommended Sterilization Methods
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends chemical vapor sterilization, following manufacturer's instructions for the instruments and sterilizers 1, 2
- Package instruments that will not be used immediately before sterilization, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 7
Verification of Sterilization
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using biologic indicators (spore tests) at least weekly to verify proper functioning of sterilization cycles 1, 6
- Use heat-sensitive chemical indicators on the outside of each pack to identify processed packs, and place a chemical indicator inside and in the center of each instrument pack or load to confirm heat penetration, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 6
Handling and Safety Considerations
- Consider scalpels as potentially infectious when contaminated with patient fluids, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3, 5
- Place used scalpel blades in appropriate puncture-resistant containers located close to the area of use, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5, 9