NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to recap a used needle after venipuncture to transport it to the sharps container. Which of the following safety protocols is being violated?
- ANeedle gauge selection.
- BSharps disposal safety.
- CPatient identification.
- DOrder of draw.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Sharps disposal safety.
Recapping a used needle by hand is a direct violation of sharps disposal safety protocols because it significantly increases the risk of an accidental needlestick injury. Needles should be immediately disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This relates to selecting the correct needle size, not disposal.
- C. This relates to verifying patient identity, not needle disposal.
- D. This relates to the sequence of filling tubes, not needle handling.
Sharps Disposal Safety
Strict protocols for the safe handling and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments to prevent accidental needlestick injuries and the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
- Never recap, bend, or break used needles.
- Immediately dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers.
- Sharps containers must be easily accessible and clearly labeled.
- Do not overfill sharps containers.
Memory trick: NO RECAPPING: Not On Recapping, Ever, Come Again, Please!