When it comes to deciding between reusable and single-use medical blades, medical professionals have to consider the pros and cons of each. For starters, medical blades also cover a wide range of categories. Whether it is for single use or a reusable item, it can be any instrument, with medical applications, designed for and used in treating patients. Single-use ones are those that are used one time, by one patient, during a single procedure. After a single use blade has been used, it is disposed. There are many benefits to using disposable one in place of their reusable type.
There are many benefits of switching to disposable ones. Sustainability is an important factor leading to many consumers to prefer products that are reusable, and that reduce waste. But reusing products can be challenging, in the medical field. According to the FDA, a single-use or reusable type is used for use on one patient during any procedure. It is not intended to be reprocessed and used on another patient. The labeling may or may not identify the device as single use or reusable and does not include instructions for reprocessing. Consumable medical razors ultimately should be disposed of but can be used more than once.
WHAT ARE SINGLE-USE AND REUSABLE CLINICAL BLADES?
Single-use surgical blades are the ones that are used on one patient during only one procedure and then disposed of. Reusable ones are those that require reprocessing after a procedure, such steps as cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization. When selecting a single-use over a reusable, and vice-versa, the number one factor to consider should be guided by risk to patient safety. In addition to such risks as contamination and infection, time-savings are other factors to consider.Â
There has been a steady shift to disposable and single-use types over the years, and the trend is likely to rise. Reusable ones have always carried a degree of risk for contamination, site infections, and HAI, far greater than single-use ones. Operations and medical procedures with reusable medical types place patients at a very high unnecessary risk. Single-use razors are sterilized, individually well packaged, disposable devices that carry none of the risks that reusable types do. This is one of the main reasons the shift in using single-use and disposable medical blade supplies has occurred.
In order to ensure that reusable ones are safe to use with other subjects, they must be cleaned after every use. Taking the time to clean them means less time spent with subjects. Most single-use ones are ready to use upon opening, saving clinical professionals a significant amount of time. Single-use ones, also, eliminates the need for hospital staff to clean, and sterilize reusable ones. With minimal preparation and effort, single-use types can significantly increase a facility’s efficiency.
PROS AND CONS OF BOTH THE BLADES
The most prominent issue with single-use and disposable blade supplies is the rise in biomedical waste and related environmental issues. Disposing of biomedical waste—those supplies, materials, and tools contaminated with bodily fluids and secretions must follow certain protocols. Medical waste is considered hazardous waste, and improper disposal of it may cause HAI.
The problem isn’t going anywhere. Global medical facilities produce billions of pounds of waste annually. This waste is a critical factor in considering using single-use medical blades over reusable ones. Because they are viewed as environmentally unfriendly, efforts are being made to provide other solutions. Some medical equipment manufacturers also offer biodegradable ones. A highly cost-efficient solution in addressing this problem is to recycle single use blades. Single-use ones are made with thermoplastic and it offers a viable and environmentally friendly solution, as they can very easily be recycled.Â
In addition, reusable ones have their own set of environmental issues that must be dealt with. Decontamination, as well as sterilization require large amounts of water, chemical disinfectants, specialized cleaning equipment, and electricity to reprocess them for re-use. The impact these have on the environment poses ecological concerns and the added energy drain to clean them is highly costly.
Overall, there is a considerable process in reusing them. It takes time, and hidden costs associated with reusable ones. The ongoing costs for reprocessing them include cleaning supplies, and personnel training, equipment, decontamination as well as sterilization processes, repair and replacement, tracking and accounting. Single-use blades are delivered ready for immediate use, and zero time is spent in reprocessing. It’s another cause that single-use ones and disposable blade supplies are becoming an attractive alternative to reusable ones.
CONCLUSION
Thus, major critical benefit of reusable devices is durability, especially when it comes to consumable devices. Medical device companies must test to identify the average number of uses blades can withstand while working effectively and labeling it accordingly to indicate how many times it can be used, along with the indicated safety margin. Reusable clinical blades can help improve the health and safety of the patients in the healthcare facility.