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What Is a Scalpel?

A scalpel is a metal precision cutting instrument that has a sharp blade attached to a handle. Modern scalpels are made out of stainless steel, but primitive scalpels were made out of rock, bone and shells.

  1. Uses

    • A scalpel is used during medical procedures such as surgery or dissection. Scalpels are useful for cutting stencils and in other arts and crafts projects.

    Types

    • Disposable scalpel blades are meant for one time use during medical procedures. Scalpel blades that are intended for non-medical use may be reused. Different sizes of scalpel blades are used in surgery for cutting muscles, scraping and stripping off biological material.

    Safety

    • A person using a scalpel needs to be careful not to accidentally cut himself; the blade is very sharp. Safety scalpels with retractable blades reduce the risk of potential injury because the blade is not accessible when it is not in use.

    Considerations

    • Metal scalpels cannot be used when a surgeon is using MRI technology to assist with the procedure.

    Advances

    • Laser scalpels are replacing traditional medical scalpels during procedures like eye surgery.

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