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Passing scissors, cotton pliers and the syringe
Also called: scissors transfer, cotton plier transfer, syringe transfer
Special handling for hinged instruments, loaded cotton pliers and the anesthetic syringe.
Some instruments need extra care when passed. Scissors are passed with the handles slightly open so the operator can slip fingers in, and returned beaks-first so cut pieces land in your palm. Cotton pliers carrying something are pinched closed during transfer. The anesthetic syringe is passed below the chin, out of the patient's view; the team agrees ahead of time on how the needle cap comes off and goes back on.
How to spot it
- Scissors: handles open slightly, parallel to the instrument in use.
- Cotton pliers: beaks held closed.
- Syringe: passed below the chin, out of the patient's sight.
On the tray, in order
- Scissors returned with beaks toward the assistant; palm the beaks.
- Cotton pliers returned with the working end in your palm; empty them and place them back on the tray.
- After an injection, the operator recaps with a device or one-handed scoop.
Safety and care
- Plan the syringe pass with the operator to avoid a needlestick; recap only one-handed or with a device.
- Never reach over the patient's face with sharp instruments.
Related
Sources: Dentalcare.com CE643. The Concepts of Four-handed Dentistry Including Ergonomic Instrument Transfer. Pages: zones of activity, single-handed transfer, two-handed transfer, scissors/hinged instruments, syringe transfer, non-locking forceps, OSHA. Standard interpretation, 1994-04-29, recapping of contaminated needles (29 CFR 1910.1030)