WFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q01315

It has been mentioned to me that the placing of a disposable scalpel blade and handle into a steel reciever is contrary to theatre nursing practice as it reduces the sharpness of the blade. Can anybody clarify what the current recommended practice is and is the use of plactic holloware in theatre instrument sets in line with good practice?

Thanking you.

Hi Mary,

In Australia, plastic hollowware has been in widespread use for many, many years. We usually use a small yellow tray or receiver to pass sharps to the surgeon.

However, our Standard AS/NZS 4187 advises against including hollowware in with surgical instruments. Most facilities pack their hollowware as a separate set /bundle or pack sharps receivers as a single item. There are certain recommendations for doing this -such as the hollwware must be separated by non-porous spacers, with all the openings facing the same way -and packed well enough to prevent the items moving inside the pack (which may lead to air entrapment) while being placed on the steriliser trolley.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Terry

Many thanks Terry for your advice.
Regards,
Mary