Trilogy MedWaste Blog & News

Medical sharps, such as needles and syringes, are commonly found in homes when individuals are managing various health conditions. For example, individuals with diabetes may use sharps for insulin injections and blood sugar testing, while others may require them for administering medications like blood thinners or managing chronic pain. Medical conditions requiring regular treatment, such as allergies or infertility, may also necessitate the use of sharps. Additionally, home healthcare services and pet care may involve the use of needles for wound care or administering medications to pets.   The FDA’s list of sSharps that might commonly be found in the home include:  Having sharps at home facilitates ongoing treatment outside of clinical settings, but proper sharps containment and disposal is essential to prevent injury and contamination. Proper disposal of medical tools like needles, syringes, and lancets is essential to prevent the spread of harmful bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B virus

The safe disposal of sharps should be a priority for every health care provider and medical professional. Improper sharps disposal puts healthcare workers, sanitation employees, and the public at risk of accidental needlestick injuries.   According to the FDA, more than 850,000 people are injured each year by 7 billion sharps that are improperly disposed. In research conducted by the American Nurses Association, one third of nurses feel that sharps injuries present a “significant level of risk in their work environment,” with thirteen percent reporting that they have sustained at least one sharps-related injury within the past five years.   Safely disposing of medical implements such as needles, syringes, and lancets is crucial for preventing the transmission of dangerous bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Safe disposal can also prevent sharps from entering the natural environment, where they can potentially contaminate soil,