What should be done with sharps immediately after use?

After using sharps, it is critical to place them immediately in a puncture-resistant sharps container. This practice is essential for a number of reasons. First, sharps pose a significant risk of injury and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Proper disposal in a designated container minimizes the chances of needle-stick injuries to healthcare workers and others who may come into contact with the waste.

Moreover, puncture-resistant containers are designed specifically to handle sharp objects without compromising safety. They are built to prevent punctures and leaks, ensuring that the materials contained within are securely held and don't pose a further risk to anyone handling or disposing of the container later.

Leaving sharps on a work surface or disposing of them in regular trash not only increases the risk of accidental injury but also violates safety regulations and protocols established for managing biomedical waste. Soaking sharps in disinfectant is impractical and does not effectively eliminate the inherent risk associated with their presence; the sharp object remains a hazard until fully contained. Thus, the only safe and compliant practice is to dispose of them immediately in an appropriate sharps container.