Safe Use of Sharps with Biologicals

Biologically Contaminated Sharps

Sharps contaminated with biohazardous materials must be disposed of in a red sharps container. Sharps include any item capable of puncturing an autoclave bag, such as:

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Safer Sharps Devices

Safe handling of sharps is essential in preventing needlestick injuries. Needles must not be re-capped and disposed of promptly after use in a sharps waste container. Luer-lock syringes have a secure attachment that reduces likelihood of leakage or accidental detachment during use. Re-sheathing needles with safety glides provide a safer option if needles must be recapped. The gliding mechanism allows for the needle to be re-sheathed while keeping fingers away from needle. For a list of vendors and catalog numbers please visit our Biological Safety Lab Supplies Webpage. 

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Recapping Needles

Needles should not be recapped before placing them in a sharps container for disposal. Recapping needles should be avoided whenever possible to prevent accidental injury. However, there circumstances where recapping or removing the needles from a syringe is unavoidable. If your work necessitates that you recap needles or remove them from a syringe, never touch the needle with your hand or hold the cap in one hand while placing it over the needle. 

If there is no viable alternative to recapping a needle here are a few safer alternatives:

• Best - Use a recapping device (e.g. Point-Lok, NeedleSafeII, or a simple microfuge tube rack) to hold the cap and direct the needle into it with on hand, pressing firmly to recap the needle.
• Better - Hold the cap with tongs, forceps, or pliers, and place it over the needle. This is also a good method for removing a needle from a reusable syringe and the best method for mounting and removing a disposable scalpel blade from its handle. 
• Acceptable - One-handed "scoop" technique: Use the needle itself to pick up the cap, and then push the cap against a hard surface to ensure a tight fit onto the device.

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Exposure Incidents 

In the event of an exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials please complete the following steps:

1. Immediately wash the exposed area 
   • Skin exposures - wash thoroughly with soap and water
   • Mucous membrane exposure (eyes, nose, or mouth) - flush affected area with water for as long as possible
2. Seek medical attention
3. Report the exposure to your supervisor 
4. Fill out Workers' Compensation Form (must be done within 24 hours of the exposure)
5. Fill out the EHS Incident Report Form 

For more information please visit our Incident Reporting & Emergencies Webpage.

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Waste Disposal

Biologically contaminated sharps must be disposed of as Regulated Medical Waste (RMW). For more information about how Regulated Medical Waste is handled at Virginia Tech refer to EHS's Regulated Medical Waste Webpage. To request RMW supplies or waste pickup please fill out the Regulated Medical Waste Removal Form.

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