Abstract: A flag for labeling drugs or medications provided in a medication cup, for use in the operating room, has a cup section with an adhesive back surface peelably attached to a backing sheet. A flag section is attached to the cup section of the flag at a bend line. A flag strip also having an adhesive back surface is supplied on the backing sheet. Multiple flags of different colors are preferably provided in a kit. A flag is attached to each cup. The flag section is labeled with a marker or a preprinted label, to indicate the content of the cup. The flag section is folded down so that it partially overlies the open top end of the cup. The syringe strip is adhered to a syringe used to draw medication out of the cup for administration to the patient. The flag and syringe strip provide a visual link or connection between each syringe and the contents of each cup. The risk of administering the wrong drug to a patient is reduced.

Abstract: A method for handling, labeling, identifying and/or organizing specimens removed from a patient during surgery performed in the sterile field may include placing a specimen identification sheet in or near the sterile field. The specimen may be placed onto one section of the specimen identification sheet. The section advantageously has an identifier, such as a printed number or letter, or combinations of them. The section may then be marked with specimen identifying information. The section with the specimen may optionally be separated from the specimen identification sheet. The specimen is transferred from the section into or onto a container. The container can be marked with specimen identifying information, using a marker and a blank label, and/or with a pre-printed label.

Abstract: A flag for labeling medications provided in a medication cup, for use in the sterile field operating room, has a cup section with an adhesive back surface peelably attached to a backing sheet. A flag section is attached to the cup section of the flag at a bend line. A flag strip also having an adhesive back surface is supplied on the backing sheet. Multiple flags of different colors are preferably provided in a kit. A flag is attached to each cup. The flag section is labeled with a marker or a preprinted label, to indicate the content of the cup. The flag section is folded down so that it partially overlies the open top end of the cup. The syringe strip is adhered to a syringe used to draw medication out of the cup for administration to the patient. The flag and syringe strip provide a visual link or connection between each syringe and the contents of each cup. The risk of administering the wrong medication to a patient during surgery is reduced.

Abstract: A disposable scalpel has a blade attached to a handle. The scalpel is weighted, so that although it is disposable, it has a weight similar to the weight of a conventional, nondisposable metal scalpel. The scalpel may be weighted by one or more solid metal slugs within the handle, by particles of weight material within the handle, or by manufacturing the handle including weight materials, such as molded plastics including weighted filler, such as a metal powder. A shield assembly is slidable within the handle from an extended position, where the shield blocks access to the blade, to a retracted position, where the shield is substantially within the handle, and the blade is fully exposed. A locking mechanism locks the shield into the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A flag for labeling drugs or medications provided in a medication cup, for use in the operating room, has a cup section with an adhesive back surface peelably attached to a backing sheet. A flag section is attached to the cup section of the flag at a bend line. A flag strip also having an adhesive back surface is supplied on the backing sheet. Multiple flags of different colors are preferably provided in a kit. A flag is attached to each cup. The flag section is labeled with a marker or a preprinted label, to indicate the content of the cup. The flag section is folded down so that it partially overlies the open top end of the cup. The syringe strip is adhered to a syringe used to draw medication out of the cup for administration to the patient. The flag and syringe strip provide a visual link or connection between each syringe and the contents of each cup. The risk of administering the wrong drug to a patient is reduced.

Abstract: A method of laterally moving a patient lying on a sheet comprises the steps of: rolling the patient on one shoulder by lifting on the sheet adjacent to the other shoulder; positioning a flattened hollow tube having open ends beneath the patient and the sheet, the flattened hollow tube forming a rectangular endless carrier including a conveying layer, a return layer, and side edges, the side edges joining the conveying layer and the return layer; rolling the patient back onto the flattened hollow tube by lowering the sheet; and laterally displacing the patient and causing the flattened hollow tube to roll by horizontally pulling on the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the side edges.