I
'm a surgical technologist by trade. Handling sharps in the ster-
ile field is a big part of what I do. My advice: Make sure your
staff understands the importance of these straightforward but
effective ways to limit their risk of injury from scalpel blades,
needles and instruments. They shouldn't have to learn about
sharps safety the hard way, like I did.
1
Know before you reach
Many years ago, I was cleaning up after an ortho trauma case.
Another staff member, who had entered the room to help,
placed a newly sharpened osteotome in the pan of water I was using
to rinse instruments. I stuck my hand in the pan to grab a sponge and
cut my left index finger on the instrument. It took 4 stitches to close
8 4
O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A P R I L 2 0 1 5
These practical precautions limit risks of sticks and cuts.
Sherri Alexander, CST, FAST, CRCST | Indianapolis, Ind.
Steps to Safer
Sharps Handling
Sherri
Alexander,
CST,
FAST,
CRCST