How to Handle and Dispose of Sharps

Just one prick of an infected needle and you could contract a blood-borne pathogen like AIDS, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If you are a first responder or medical provider, you may need to use a needle to save a life. Keep yourself and others safe by knowing how to handle and dispose of sharps. Follow just a few steps to help prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens.

Things You'll Need

• Latex gloves
• Portable sterile basin
• Capped needle
• Puncture resistant biohazard container

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Instructions

• 1

  Receive professional training about how to handle and dispose of sharps. Organizations like the Occupation Safety and Health Administration or the Red Cross provide training.

• 2

  Wear latex gloves whenever handling sharps.

• 3

  Warn the patient before the injection. This can help prevent any sudden movements that could lead to an unwanted needle stick.

• 4

  Use the hands-free technique when passing sharps between people. Place the sharp in a portable sterile basin and pass the entire basin.

• 5

  Dispose of used sharps properly. Do not recap used needles and immediately place them in a puncture resistant biohazard container.

• 6

  Report any injuries that result from a contaminated sharp. Follow the proper procedure for these types of accidents. The procedure includes blood tests for both the patient and the injector.