NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to dispose of a used needle and syringe after a successful blood draw. Which of the following is the correct method for disposal?
- APlace the entire needle and syringe unit into a puncture-resistant sharps container.
- BBreak the needle off the syringe and then dispose of the pieces in a sharps container.
- CDetach the needle from the syringe and place both in a biohazard bag.
- DRecap the needle before placing it in the regular trash.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Place the entire needle and syringe unit into a puncture-resistant sharps container.
The entire needle and syringe unit, as a single contaminated sharp, must be immediately placed into an approved, puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping, bending, or breaking the needle. This minimizes the risk of needlestick injuries.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Breaking a needle can cause it to shatter, creating more hazardous fragments and increasing injury risk; it is prohibited.
- C. Detaching the needle increases the risk of a needlestick injury and is incorrect; both parts are sharps.
- D. Recapping a needle is a major cause of needlestick injuries and is strictly prohibited.
Sharps Disposal Protocol
The safe and immediate disposal of contaminated needles and other sharp medical instruments into designated containers to prevent needlestick injuries and transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
- Use puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers.
- Dispose of sharps immediately at the point of use.
- Never recap, bend, break, or remove needles from syringes.
Memory trick: Sharps Go Straight to the Box, No Detours!