Sharps are objects that can penetrate or cut the skin, posing a health and safety hazard in various environments. These devices typically feature sharp points or edges and are used in medical, home healthcare, and laboratory settings. Their danger stems from two main risks: causing a physical puncture or laceration injury and transmitting infectious diseases. Understanding what constitutes a sharp and how to manage it safely is important for protecting individuals, waste handlers, and the public. This knowledge is relevant today, as more people manage chronic conditions at home using sharp medical tools.
Defining Sharps and Their Associated Risks
A sharp is defined as any device with sharp points or edges capable of puncturing or cutting human skin. This classification is based on the object’s physical capacity to break the skin barrier, regardless of whether it has been used or is contaminated. The risks associated with sharps are twofold, starting with the immediate threat of a physical wound. Puncture wounds or lacerations can cause pain and bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
The second risk is the potential for disease transmission, particularly if the sharp is contaminated with biological material. If the item has been in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, an accidental stick can introduce bloodborne pathogens directly into the bloodstream. These pathogens include Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Improperly discarded sharps endanger family members, sanitation workers, and children who may encounter them.
Essential Examples: Common Medical Sharps
The most recognized sharps are those used for self-care and medical procedures that involve injections or blood testing. These items are frequently found in home settings where people manage chronic conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
- Hypodermic needles are the slender, hollow pieces of metal used to inject medication beneath the skin or to draw fluids from the body.
- Syringes are devices designed to work with these needles to administer drugs or withdraw fluids, and they must be disposed of as sharps when the needle is attached.
- Lancets are small, pointed instruments designed for finger sticks to obtain drops of blood for glucose testing.
- Insulin pen needles, used with insulin pens for daily injections, are considered sharps.
- Auto-injectors, such as epinephrine pens, contain a sharp component that deploys and must be safely managed.
- Infusion sets are tubing systems with a needle used to deliver continuous medication.
Less Obvious Sharps in Home and Public Settings
Beyond the common needles and syringes, many less obvious items possess the physical characteristics to be classified as sharps. These items are often overlooked because they are not primarily associated with self-injection but still pose the same puncture and laceration risk.
- Broken glass from medical vials, ampoules, or laboratory slides. The sharp, jagged edges of fractured glass are capable of penetrating skin.
- Scalpel blades, used for minor procedures or trimming in home care or specialized settings.
- Exposed ends of dental wires removed from braces or other oral appliances.
- Rigid plastic edges from broken medical components or connection needles used in dialysis or infusion therapy.
Recognizing these diverse materials as sharps is important for comprehensive safety and preventing accidental injury to those handling waste.
Immediate Steps for Safe Containment
The immediate step after using a sharp is to contain it in a puncture-resistant container at the point of use. This action reduces the likelihood of accidental sticks or cuts. The best option is an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, which is made of rigid plastic with a tight, puncture-resistant lid.
If a commercially available container is not accessible, a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent bottle with a screw-on cap, can serve as a suitable alternative. Sharps must never be placed loosely into regular trash or recycling bins, as this puts sanitation workers at direct risk. Once a sharp is used, it should never be recapped, bent, or broken, as these actions are the primary cause of accidental needlestick injuries. Sharps containers should be kept in a secure, upright position and out of sight and reach of children and pets at all times.