The usage of sharps can occur in a non-medical setting, such as in a home or an office; as well, they are used by those in the medical field when mobile.
Proper usage and the safe disposal of sharps (ECO30 Plan) can keep humans and pets safe, preventing exposure to infectious pathogens and injuries, such as needle sticks, cuts, punctures.
The list of sharps may include:
Needles
Syringes
Lancets (fingerstick devices)
Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens
Infusion sets
Connection needles/sets (most often used for patients on home hemodialysis)
To maintain this safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that used needles and other sharps be placed, immediately after usage, in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. After an evaluation, the FDA has recommended these containers for safe use by health care professionals and in other places, such as in the home or office, reducing the risk of infection or injury to others.
The DOs and DON’Ts of sharps disposal (adapted from the FDA):
DON'Ts
Throw loose needles and sharps in the trash
Flush needles and sharps in the toilet
Put needles and sharps in a recycling bin
DOs
Place used needles and sharps in an FDA approved sharps disposal container
Use a portable sharps disposal container when mobile
Keep all sharps and sharps disposal containers out of the reach of children and pets
Ask your medical or prescription insurer whether they cover sharps disposal containers
San Diego Medical Waste Services, LLC, affordably and conveniently, offers the ECO30 Plan, keeping every home and office safe. For more information, contact San Diego Medical Waste: info@sdmedwaste.com or 619-990-4604. San Diego Medical Waste has all your professional, medical waste needs.