Needle-Syringe Safety: Hospital, Home, Post Acute, Rehab & Community

by Rose Rohloff

HealthLeaders published an article Proper Sharps Management in Senior Living Helps Reduce Risk for Needle Stick Injuries Feb. 9, 2018, addressing the need for proper containers to safely dispose of used needles. Sadly, stories have been relayed regarding used syringes being left in the beds of patients in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. As trained clinicians, this circumstance should never happen. The issue of needle-syringe safety, however, transcends all environments, including the increasing use in homes.

Safety guidelines for syringe use

• Have designated, well marked containers for immediate disposal (reference the Healthleaders article above)
• Use the one touch rule: after injecting medication, do not set the needle down; immediately drop into the designated, marked container. 
• Do not recap the needle unless necessary. To avoid sticking oneself, drop the syringe directly into the container without recapping after used. If the needle requires coverage for immediate safety, keep the cap on a flat surface (such as a table) while inserting the needle. Then, lift the syringe with the cap on to firmly secure it against the table; avoiding needles accidentally being pushed through a cap, or missing the cap opening and puncturing your finger.
• Properly dispose of needle containers. See CDC recommended guidelines.

Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, Special To The Chronicle: Dirty needles at UN Plaza in San Francisco, CA

Numerous reports of discarded, used syringes in the streets of major cities, such as San Francisco, also necessitate being aware of  'sharp safety' in the community. Whether a street, park or playground, it is good to have knowledge of what to do, and teach your children, regarding needle-syringe safety. The following are just a couple example guidelines:​

• SAFE HANDLING & DISPOSAL OF NEEDLES AND SYRINGE
  
• ​​Safe Handling & Disposal of Needles and Syringes