NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician observes a coworker removing a used needle from its safety device before discarding it into a sharps container. What should the technician do immediately?
- AIgnore the action, assuming it was a one-time mistake.
- BEducate the coworker on proper sharps disposal technique.
- CAssist the coworker by holding the sharps container open.
- DReport the coworker to the supervisor later that day.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Educate the coworker on proper sharps disposal technique.
Removing a needle from its safety device or attempting to recap a used needle are extremely dangerous practices that significantly increase the risk of needlestick injuries. It is an immediate safety violation that requires direct, constructive intervention to prevent potential harm.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; ignoring an unsafe act puts both the coworker and potentially others at risk.
- C. This is incorrect and dangerous; it facilitates the unsafe act and increases the risk of injury to both individuals.
- D. While reporting is necessary, immediate intervention is preferred to prevent a potential injury, especially if the coworker is still holding the needle.
Sharps Safety Violations
Actions that compromise the safe handling and disposal of needles and other sharp medical instruments, increasing the risk of needlestick injuries.
- Never recap, bend, or break used needles.
- Always activate safety features immediately after use.
- Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers at the point of use.
Memory trick: See something 'S'harp, 'S'ay something 'S'trong, 'S'top the 'S'afety 'S'lip.