Aspen Surgical® Bard-Parker® Protected Surgical Blade – Size 22 (SKU: 373922)

Description

The Aspen Surgical® Bard-Parker® Protected Surgical Blade (373922) is a sterile size 22 safety scalpel blade featuring the SafeSwitch® protected blade system, engineered to reduce sharps injuries during blade assembly, passing, and disposal. This design enhances operating room safety without compromising surgical performance.

The high-quality stainless steel blade is enclosed within a retractable protective shield that can be activated with one hand. It is fully compatible with standard #4 reusable metal scalpel handles, allowing surgeons to retain the familiar weight, balance, and tactile feedback of a traditional scalpel while meeting modern sharps-safety requirements.

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Identification

• Product Identifier: Bard-Parker® Protected Surgical Blade

• Product Code: 373922

• Brand: Aspen Surgical

• Blade Size: 22

• Material: Stainless Steel Blade / Plastic Protective Shield

• Color: Blue Shield Button (Size 22 Standard) with Clear Shield

• Type: Safety Surgical Scalpel Blade

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Key Benefits

• Sharps Injury Prevention: Retractable shield locks over the blade before, during, and after use

• One-Handed Operation: SafeSwitch® mechanism allows activation without changing grip

• Handle Compatibility: Fits standard #4 metal handles for optimal balance and control

• Trusted Blade Quality: Bard-Parker® blades are known for consistent sharpness and durability

• Regulatory Support: Helps facilities comply with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens sharps-safety standards

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Applications

• General Surgery

• Orthopedic Procedures

• Tissue Dissection

• Skin Incisions Requiring a Broad, Curved Cutting Edge

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Usage Guidelines

• Sizing: Blade Size 22; compatible with #4 scalpel handles

• Storage: Store in a clean, dry environment

• Disposal: Dispose of in an approved sharps container

• Usage:

  1. Slide blade onto #4 handle while shield remains covering the blade

  2. Retract shield to expose blade for use

  3. Extend shield to cover blade when passing or after use

  4. Confirm lock engagement by listening for an audible click

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Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

• Sterile: Gamma Irradiated

• Latex Free: Yes

• OSHA Compliant: Sharps Safety Requirements

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Comparison with Competitor Products

Unlike fully disposable safety scalpels that may feel lightweight or unstable, the Protected Blade system allows surgeons to use a solid reusable metal handle, providing superior balance, control, and precision while still delivering effective sharps protection.

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Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

• General Surgeons

• Surgical Technologists

• Operating Room Nurses

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Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

• Always verify the protective shield is fully locked before passing the instrument

• Do not attempt to remove the blade from the handle unless the shield is fully extended