How to Choose Removal Sharps Containers

Removal sharps containers are an invaluable tool in medical waste disposal of needles, scalpels and other sharps. This article will help in you in choosing a proper sharps container, whether you are using them as an individual who is self-medicating or you run a big health care facility and your disposal needs are much greater.

Before we get to removal sharps containers themselves, let’s talk about why you need them in the first place. Sharps containers are used to store sharps waste, which can potentially be both injurious and infectious. This waste includes used and discarded needles, syringes, scalpel and razor blades, broken glass and other sharp objects used in hospitals, clinics, nursery homes, dentist and physician offices and other medical care facilities that have the capability to injure a person by cutting or puncturing his or her skin.

In addition to being potentially injurious, sharps waste can also be infected with a number of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, from the blood of the patient and if someone gets cut on a used needle or other sharps waste, that infection could easily spread to that person as well.

Use Leak-Proof, Puncture-Resistant Sharps Removal Containers

Because of this, removal sharps containers are necessary wherever there is sharps waste. The US FDA recommends that all sharps be immediately placed in proper hard-plastic and leak-proof containers after their use to minimize the risk of injury or infection.

These containers can be obtained from various sources. For instance, if you are a diabetic and are using needles and syringes for self-medication, you should ask at your local pharmacy or online, but if you work in a hospital, then a medical supply company would be a better bet for finding what you need.

Also, as you might have already guessed, sharps containers come in different sizes. For example, you can purchase small travel size sharps containers if you are going away from home (usually about 1 quart) or, if your needs for sharps removal are greater than that, you can buy a larger sharps container ranging from 1 gallon for smaller health care service to up to 30 and more gallon big sharps containers for large municipal hospitals.

Whatever size you go for, be sure that the container is proof-resistant and doesn’t leak and that it is properly labeled with the biohazard symbol.

Is There an Alternative to Purchasing Removal Sharps Containers?

Although it is generally not recommended to use anything but FDA-approved sharps containers, in a pinch, you might get by using certain household plastic containers, like an empty bleach or detergent bottle.

However, if you’re going to use these, take double care to ensure that the container is leak-resistant, undamaged and that it has a lid or some other way of closing it securely.

Also, like with regular sharps containers, you will need to label this one with a biohazard symbol.

Looking for removal sharps containers? Contact Medical Waste Management, Florida today by calling our phone number 305-677-2343, visit our website https://medicalwastefl.com/ or send an email to [email protected] and you’ll get a FREE QUOTE, plus the opportunity to save 20-50% off your medical waste bill.