Use of a permanent magnet to control surgical sharps

The non-standard placement of surgical sharps during an operation is an inconvenience during surgical procedures and increases the occupational injury risk of surgeons. Pathogens, such as hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus, can be transmitted to surgeons through accidental sharps injuries when operating on infected patients.1 To address this problem, disposable magnetic drapes can be used; however, their use increases the cost of surgery.