Which item is considered a sharps for disposal?

Which item is considered a sharps for disposal?

• A. Bandages
• B. Cotton balls
• C. Gloves
• D. Hypodermic needles and syringes (with or without attached needle)

Answer: (D)

Sharps are items that can puncture or cut the skin, creating a risk of injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Hypodermic needles and syringes, whether or not the needle is attached, are sharp and must be disposed of in an approved sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries. Bandages, cotton balls, and gloves don’t have sharp points, so they’re not considered sharps; they’re disposed of according to standard medical waste or PPE disposal rules. Always place used needles and syringes directly into a sharps container and follow facility policies for disposal.

Sharps are items that can puncture or cut the skin, creating a risk of injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Hypodermic needles and syringes, whether or not the needle is attached, are sharp and must be disposed of in an approved sharps container to prevent needle-stick injuries. Bandages, cotton balls, and gloves don’t have sharp points, so they’re not considered sharps; they’re disposed of according to standard medical waste or PPE disposal rules. Always place used needles and syringes directly into a sharps container and follow facility policies for disposal.