Sharps Medical Device Storage and Disposal

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The proper storage and disposal of medical waste prevent the spread of germs and the risk of injury to others. If you are required to perform home-based insulin injections, the materials used to conduct each injection may be classified as biohazardous waste and require that you use responsible storage and disposal techniques.

Sharps

Sharps is a medical term that refers to medical tools that contain a sharp edge that is designed to puncture the skin. Needles, syringes, and lancets fit into this category. Products that are used to administer insulin should never be reused.

The sharp edge of a needle or another medical device may come into contact with blood. Used equipment is classified as biohazardous waste. Some municipalities require individuals to separate biohazardous waste from other trash and place it in acceptable storage containers.

Storage and Disposal Methods

Needle clippers are a product that will disengage the needle from a syringe. Needles will safely be stored inside a clipper case. This type of product can hold many needles. Once it is filled, it can be disposed of with other hazardous waste. Lancets contain two sides that are sharp and cannot be stored inside a clipper case.

There are sturdy boxes and plastic containers for sale that are designated for the storage of biohazardous materials. A waterproof liner should be stored inside either waste container. This way, if any of the sharps have blood on them, the liquid waste will not come into contact with the container itself. Biohazardous waste should be temporarily stored inside a climate-controlled room or closet. The materials should not be accessible to anyone else who resides in your home.

When performing insulin injections, always wear a pair of disposable gloves. Gloves, bloody cloths, and used gauze and bandages should be placed in a separate receptacle. Disposal methods include dropping off biohazardous waste at a local municipality that accepts it, requesting that materials are picked up by a certified biohazardous waste handler, or mailing waste items to a facility.

With a program that allows end-users to mail their waste, a special storage collection box and shipment container may be provided. If you choose this type of service, fill up the collection box and prepare it for shipment, once it is almost full. This type of service limits the amount of handling necessary for the disposal of sharp medical devices.

Other services will come to pick up your waste material which can save you time as you won't have to ship anything. To learn more about your options, contact a company like Metro Detroit.

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