Sharp injuries have always been a concern in the healthcare industry. These injuries can cause deep wounds and increase the risk of infection, particularly if the sharp object was contaminated with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. Emotionally, sharp injuries can cause significant distress and anxiety, leading to long-term psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition to the personal consequences of sharp injuries, there are also broader consequences for the healthcare industry. Sharp injuries can lead to lost workdays, which can impact the income and job security of affected healthcare worker, as well as an increase of staff turnover.
Qlicksmart’s Range of Sterile Scalpel Blade Removers
Qlicksmart’s range of sterile single-handed scalpel blade removers help facilities meet European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA) guidelines, as well as keep surgical staff safe from injuries in the Operating Room. These devices, Qlicksmart BladeCASSETTE, BladeSINGLE, and the BladeNeedleSYSTEM, provide an easy-to-use solution that can drastically reduce the amount of sharps injuries in healthcare facilities.
The combination device BladeNeedleSYSTEM, which works as a 20-count needle counter and comes with two safety-engineered scalpel blade removal cartridges for safe and efficient sharps removal, containment, counting, and disposal. Compared to other needle counter boxes in the market, the BladeNeedleSYSTEM’s blade remover cartridges are easier and safer to use. Even when dropped, the used scalpel blades are safely contained. It also features a thick foam that is optimised for suture needles.
Both the BladeCASSETTE and BladeNeedleSYSTEM provide the following features:
- Single-handed blade removal and a Passive safety mechanism for scalpel blade removals
- Audible “click” sound and tactile feedback to signify blade is safely contained
- Compatible with standard handles, Baron handles, Lawton long handles, and cylindrical handles
- Compliant with EORNA regulations, standards, and guidelines
Is Your Facility Qlicksmart Safe?
To date, Qlicksmart safety devices have removed over 152 million scalpel blades, preventing nearly 10,000 injuries in over 50 countries worldwide. More and more facilities are using Qlicksmart’s safety-engineered Scalpel Blade Removers. Is your facility Qlicksmart safe?
References:
- International Safety Center. (2022). ‘2022 EPINet Report for Needlestick and Sharp Object Injuries’. International Safety Center. Available at: https://internationalsafetycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022-EPINet-Needlesticks-Sharps-Injuries-Summary-Data.pdf
- Association of Surgical Technologists – Preventing and Managing Sharps Injuries: https://www.ast.org/
- American College of Surgeons – Revised Statement on Sharps Safety: https://www.facs.org/about-acs/statements/sharps-safety/
- European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA): https://eorna.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/EORNA-Best-Practice-for-Perioperative-Care-Edition-2020.pdf
