Safely Using Sharps (Needles and Syringes) at Home, at Work and on Travel

Sharps is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. They may be used at home, at work, clinics, hospitals and while traveling to manage the medical conditions of people or their pets, including allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, and psoriasis.

Examples of sharps include:

• Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin
• Syringes – devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body
• Lancets, also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing. Lancets are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes.
• Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body
• Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body.
• Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home hemodialysis.

How to Dispose of Sharps:

Used sharps should be immediately placed in a sharps disposal container.  These containers are made of puncture-resistant plastic with leak-resistant sides and bottom. They also have a tight fitting, puncture-resistant lid. Below is what we offer at our website. 

BD Sharps Collector, 22.7L Nestable With Funnel Cap, Yellow

As safety-engineered controls, sharps collectors play a pivotal role in preventing needle stick and sharps injuries for healthcare workers. BD™ offers a comprehensive array of sharps collectors to meet the needs of individual healthcare facilities.

BD™ sharps collectors are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed guidelines for safe sharps disposal. Our sharps collectors are durable, stable, closeable, as well as leak proof and puncture resistant. Additionally our containers facilitate one-hand disposal, guards that prevent hands from accidental entry and handles for safe transportation. BD has a vast amount of experience in conducting safety audits for healthcare facilities to ensure the correct placement of sharps collectors for optimal and safe disposal of sharps..

What to Do If You Are Accidently Stuck By a Used Needle or Other Sharp

If you are accidently stuck by another person’s used needle or other sharp:

1. Wash the exposed area right away with water and soap or use a skin disinfectant (antiseptic) such as rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
2. Seek immediate medical attention by calling your physician or local hospital.

Dispose of used sharps disposal containers according to your community guidelines.

Sharps disposal guidelines and programs vary depending on where you live. Check with your local trash removal services or health department to see which of the following disposal methods are available in your area: You may be able to drop off your sharps disposal containers at appropriate chosen collection sites, such as doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, health departments, medical waste facilities, and police or fire stations. Services may be free or have a nominal fee.

To purchase Sharp Containers, please click below. 

Sharp Collector BD 22.7L Nestable Funnel Entry Top, Case of 12 

Sharp Collector BD 22.7L Nestable Funnel Entry Top