Which of the following is a recommended practice for safe sharps handling?

• A. Recapping needles after use to prevent exposure
• B. Dispose used needles in a sharps container immediately without recap
• C. Place sharps on the instrument tray for later disposal
• D. Reuse disposable sharps when possible

Answer: (B)

Preventing needlestick injuries hinges on immediate, proper containment of sharps. Disposing used needles directly into a sharps container without recapping minimizes exposure because the needle is secured in a dedicated, puncture-resistant container right away, reducing the number of times it’s handled and the chance of a skin puncture. Recapping introduces a real risk of injury during manipulation or misdirection of the needle, so it is discouraged. Sharps containers are designed to be leak-proof and clearly labeled, with a lid that closes to keep used needles contained until disposal. Placing sharps on an instrument tray or reusing disposable sharps creates opportunities for accidental contact and contamination, which is unsafe and against standard safety practices. Following this approach protects both staff and patients by limiting exposure to potentially contaminated sharp objects.