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sor-like handle for hands-free disposal of the blade, can prevent
injuries from disassembly and disposal. To prevent cuts during pass-
ing or use of the scalpel, shielded or retractable models work great,
says Dr. Jagger.
4. Neutral zone transfer trays
Passing sharp instruments from person to person is inherently risky. A
neutral zone or a hands-free transfer is proven to work — studies sug-
gest it can reduce sharps injuries during operations by up to 59%. The
newest trays are expandable, fit a variety of handles and instruments,
and come with an optional adhesive bottom so they can be used as a
designated neutral zone.
Other options include magnetic pads to mark a neutral zone, which
Ms. Rodriguez's students use. The magnets keep instruments in place,
which prevents injuries caused by surgical staff trying to catch falling
instruments. They also have foam backing to provide better traction
and reduce the likelihood of an instrument puncturing a patient,
something that may happen when facilities use towels to mark the
neutral zone, says Ms. Rodriguez.
5. Double-gloving
It's harder to drive a needle into your finger if you're wearing 2 layers of
gloves. New indicator gloves alert staff sooner when the first layer is
broken, thanks to bright colors that peek through from underneath.
Heavy-duty gloves made of thicker latex or nitrile, a material highly
resistant to punctures, can be especially helpful during more sharps-
prone procedures, like orthopedics. Double-gloving can be a hard sell,
says Ms. Diffenderfer, as some providers argue they lose their tactile
feel. Offer fittings to staff, she says, so they can find the right sizes and
combinations.
S H A R P S S A F E T Y
