Sharps
Using, containing and disposing of sharps safely.
The risk
Needlestick injuries can transmit blood-borne viruses. In Great Britain, the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 set out how healthcare employers must manage sharps risks.
At the point of use
Use safety-engineered devices where available, do not recap needles, and put sharps straight into a sharps container you have taken to the patient. Never leave sharps in a patient’s home.
Containers
Use containers designed for clinical sharps, assemble and label them correctly, and do not fill them past the fill line. Close them securely when full.
After a needlestick injury
Encourage the wound to bleed, wash it with soap and running water, cover it, and get urgent advice from occupational health or an emergency department. Report the injury.
Disposal
Full containers go to a licensed clinical waste service. Keep the paperwork for each collection.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ between the UK nations and change over time; check official guidance or take advice for your situation.
Related topics
Infection prevention and control
Hand hygiene, PPE, skin preparation and cleaning equipment in phlebotomy.
Temperature control for samples
Keeping blood samples within the laboratory’s temperature and time requirements.
Consent
Valid consent for blood collection, and what to do when a patient may lack capacity.
Incident reporting
What to report, how to write it up, and why near misses matter.
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