Risky Business: Operating Theatres

High Risk Environment

Operating rooms are environments with a high risk of sharps injuries due to the frequent use of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments during surgical procedures. Sharps injuries can happen anytime in the operating room. Studies show that a significant portion of healthcare worker sharps injuries occur in surgical settings.

Nurses on the Front Line

Workers in healthcare, especially nurses, are already reported as having one of the highest rates of work-related injuries. This risk of sharps injuries has long been a concern in healthcare, especially for nurses. The injuries can be serious, with potential for infection and emotional trauma. Let’s delve into the causes and consequences of sharps injuries for nurses, and exploring ways to prevent and reduce these incidents.

Embracing a Comprehensive Safety Strategy

To reduce the risks in surgical settings, institutions are now embracing a comprehensive safety strategy that integrates technology, protocol, and a robust safety culture. This begins with the widespread adoption of safety-engineered devices. The use of single-handed scalpel blade removers, blunt-tip suture needles, and hands-free transfer zones for sharps are becoming industry standards. These innovations physically mitigate the risk of injury.

These changes represent a cultural transformation that establishes staff safety as The New Standard of Care. It is a recognition that safety should be required for both staff and patients.

Qlicksmart’s Range of Sterile Scalpel Blade Removers

Qlicksmart’s range of sterile single-handed scalpel blade removers help facilities meet industry 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 (which use the ineffective blade-detacher strips), 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.

The BladeNeedleSYSTEM provide the following features:

• • Single-handed blade removal and a Passive safety mechanism for scalpel blade removals.
  • Compatible with standard handles, Baron handles, Lawton long handles, and cylindrical handles.
  • 360 degree orientation for the blade removal with its unique circular holder for the blade-remover cartridge.
  • Audible “click” sound and tactile feedback to signify blade is safely contained.
  • Designed with overlapping edges that create a secure closure when the BladeNeedleSYSTEM is closed, preventing used needles from protruding, lowering the risk of needlestick injuries.
  • Thick foam needle holder to hold used needles securely.
  • Compliant with operating room regulations, standards, and guidelines

About Qlicksmart

Qlicksmart provides the best-value safety solution to help make healthcare workers’ lives safer and more efficient, so that they can focus on patient care. Qlicksmart is certified under ISO 13485, and Qlicksmart products meet medical device regulations including TGA, FDA 21 CFR 80, and European MDR 2017/745.

Qlicksmart also provides training sessions free of charge for those that want to learn more about Sharps Safety Mandates – regulations and guidelines, and how your facility can comply with the latest guidelines.  Contact us at hello@qlicksmart.com to schedule a free consultation.