How should sharps be disposed of in a clinical setting to minimize injury risk?

• A. Recap needles before disposal
• B. Place used sharps in regular trash
• C. Dispose in sharps container only at end of shift
• D. Use puncture-resistant sharps containers, never recap needles, and dispose immediately according to facility policy

Answer: (D)

Minimizing injury risk with sharps starts with proper containment and immediate disposal. Use puncture-resistant sharps containers that are closable, leak-proof, and clearly labeled, and place each used sharp into that container right after use. Never recap or bend needles—recapping is a leading cause of accidental needle-stick injuries. Dispose according to your facility’s policy, ensuring the container is accessible, not overfilled, and replaced when needed. Putting sharps in regular trash is unsafe and not allowed, and delaying disposal until end of a shift increases the opportunity for injury.