A small and extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, or anatomical dissection. Medical scalpels are all single-use disposable. Disposable scalpels usually have a plastic handle and are used once, then the entire instrument is discarded. Scalpel blades are usually individually packed in sterile pouches but are also offered non-sterile. Scalpel blades are usually made of hardened and tempered steel, stainless steel, or high carbon steel.