Glossary

Objects or devices having sharp points or protuberances or cutting edges, capable of penetrating the skin or the container in which it is discarded. Examples of this are needles, lancets and scalpel blades. All glass used in clinical procedures e.g. vials, ampoules whether broken or unbroken, contaminated or not is best disposed as sharps. Also consider syringes without needles, swab sticks, plastic forceps and drip chambers whether attached to tubing or exposed as tubing may become disconnected. Considering these devices for disposal as sharps reduces injury, especially if waste bags are manually handled.