Improperly Discarded Sharps from Home Care Can Be Dangerous
Many people use needles, syringes and lancets to manage their medical conditions at home. But the haphazard disposal of these devices is putting a lot of others, including waste-disposal workers, housekeepers, family members and children, at risk of injury and serious infections.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 9 million people in the U.S. use sharps at home. Unfortunately many sharps used outside of a doctor's office or hospital are thrown in the household trash, and that's hazardous.
To learn more about how to safely dispose of needles, syringes and other sharps at home, visit:Â http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm278763.htm
Glove Usage Guideline: From The Joint Commission, CDC, and World Health Organization
February 17th 2025Proper glove use is crucial in health care settings to prevent infections. Guidelines from TJC, CDC, and WHO stress correct selection, usage, and disposal to minimize health care–associated infections (HAIs) and cross-contamination risks. Infection preventionists (IPs) play a key role in educating staff, enforcing compliance, and improving patient safety through standardized glove practices.
