Do surgical scalpels get reused?
Surgical scalpels can be reused, but the blades are typically single-use. The handles are made of durable materials such as metal or plastic and can be sterilized in an autoclave, a machine that uses high heat and pressure to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Scalpel blades are commonly crafted from stainless steel, a material renowned for its durability and sterilizability. However, blades become dull over time, which can lead to increased tissue damage and a higher risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to ensure that blades remain sharp to minimize these risks. For this reason, surgeons typically discard blades after each use.
