Used Hypodermic Needle Disposal: Avoid Costly Mistakes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare providers annually suffer from around 385,000 needle stick and other sharps-related injuries. Many of these incidents could be prevented by adopting safety practices when handling sharps. In this regard, the essential safety tips also concern the used hypodermic needle disposal in a proper way.

Hypodermic needles are an essential part of the disease therapy

In this article, we will learn about the guidelines regarding the used hypodermic needle disposal. In addition, some of the well-known hypodermic needle brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What are Hypodermic Needles?

Hypodermic needles are the medical devices that are employed for the delivery of liquid medications to patients. In addition, these can also be used to draw samples of blood as well as bodily fluids for the purpose of diagnostic testing.

As their name has been derived from ‘hypo’ and ‘dermis’, it indicates their use under the skin. In addition, these hypodermic needles are thin and hollow in appearance, have a stainless-steel-based construction, and are sterile. The skin penetration is pain-free and rapid.

Used Hypodermic Needle Disposal: Key Steps

When it comes to learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended the following steps so that the associated risk can be eliminated:

Have a Sharps Disposal Container

The first step of learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal is to arrange a dedicated sharps disposal container. All the used needles must be placed in this container immediately after use. This way, the risk of cuts, punctures, and needle sticks from the loose sharps could be avoided.

However, keep in mind that a sharps container is a single-use item and cannot be reused. It should be stored out of reach of children and pets. Another important factor is to avoid overfilling the container. This is because an overfilled sharps container poses a higher risk of accidental needle stick injuries. The ideal way is to never exceed three-quarters (3/4) of the container.

Follow the Community Guidelines

The used hypodermic needle disposal guidelines and programs differ in various regions. Therefore, it is essential to contact your local trash removal services or health department to learn about the suitable disposal methods. Some of the ways this waste disposal is done are as follows:

Supervised Collection Sites or Drop Box

If your city or government has dedicated some supervised collection sites, you should drop off your used sharps containers at one of these specified locations. These often include hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, health departments, medical waste facilities, fire stations, and police stations. Such services can be free or based on a nominal fee.

Mail-Back Programs

Apart from the drop box service, mail-back programs have also been introduced in some countries for used hypodermic needle disposal. In this regard, the user can mail the used sharps disposal containers to a specified collection site. Keep in mind that the sharps being disposed of must have been cleared by the FDA.

Usually, these disposal services are free of cost, but, in some cases, a fee can also be charged depending upon the size of the sharps container. In addition, these containers must also be labeled in a certain way, and the instructions regarding this labeling process are often mentioned in the manufacturer’s instructions guide.

Hypodermic needles come in different sizes and shapes

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites

Another ideal location for the used hypodermic needle disposal is the local public household hazardous waste collection site. These are the facilities where you can drop off your sharps containers along with other hazardous substances, including paints, motor oil, household cleaners, etc.

Residential Special Waste Pick-Up Services

In addition to the above-mentioned options, the used hypodermic needle disposal can also be done by special waste pick-up services. These services include trained special waste handlers who pick up the sharps containers from the patient’s home.

However, the sharps containers needed for these services must fulfil certain requirements in terms of their type and nature. As for the frequency of the pickups, some programs work based on the demands of the consumers, while others offer regular scheduling. In case of the former, the consumer has to make a call to arrange a pickup each time.

For more information, depending upon your state, email [email protected] or call Safe Needle Disposal at 1-800-643-1643. The relevant personnel can help provide information regarding:

· disposal programs specific to your area,

· types of sharps containers that can be employed,

· proper labeling method of the sharps disposal containers,

· method to secure the sharps container lid,

· instructions regarding throwing away the sharps container in the common trash.

Used Hypodermic Needle Disposal While Traveling

When it comes to traveling, the used hypodermic needle disposal guidelines should be modified accordingly. In this regard, the FDA suggests carrying a small, travel-size sharps disposal container with you.

If you are traveling via an airplane, check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website to get information regarding the up-to-date rules about the sharps. In addition, to ease the process of going through the airport security, it is best to label all your medications.

You should put the name of the medication, its type, and the name of the manufacturer/drug store. Having a letter from your doctor explaining why you need this medication is also helpful.

Dos and Don’ts of Used Hypodermic Needle Disposal

Do’s

Immediately dispose of a used hypodermic needle into the sharps container.
Always use FDA-cleared sharps containers. In case of unavailability, use a heavy-duty plastic household container.
Carry a portable sharps container while traveling.
Label all the sharps containers properly.
Ask your medical insurer if the sharps containers are covered through your insurance.
Report a problem associated with the sharps container.

Don’ts

Never throw loose needles or other sharps into common trash.
Never flush the sharps into the toilet.
As sharps are not recyclable, do not place them into the recycling bins.
Do not remove a needle without a needle clipper, as it could cause an injury.

Hypodermic needles are single-use items that are to be disposed of after one use

Hypodermic Needles at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Hypodermic needles are the products that are employed for the delivery of liquid medications into the bloodstream, muscles, or under the skin. These are thin, hollow, and sterile items that do not pose the risk of an infection. Due to their availability in multiple sizes and lengths, the use of hypodermic needles is further eased within the healthcare facilities.

When it comes to learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:

Medline Standard Hypodermic Needles 30G x 0.5 Inch Regular Bevel (SYR100302)

US$66.88

Product Details

Medline standard hypodermic needles are extensively used within healthcare facilities to administer liquid medications via intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. Their precise design and higher quality render them superior to other products in this domain. The medication administration is smooth and quick with minimum risk of injury or infection.

While learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, the healthcare providers are often worried about the product packaging. In this regard, these Medline standard hypodermic needles are individually packed and do not pose the risk of contamination.

The gauge size of the product is 30G, and the length is 0.5 inches. The regular beveled tip of these Medline standard hypodermic needles further eases the injection process. In the above-mentioned cost, 100 of these Medline standard hypodermic needles can be bought, which are packed in a box.

EasyTouch® 25G x 1.5″ Hypodermic Needle – Sterile, Single-Use, 100/BX 6BX/CS

US$41.88

Product Details

EasyTouch® 25G x 1.5″ hypodermic needles have been designed for injecting liquid medications directly into the muscles. These have a 2.5-gauge size and have a length of 1.5 inches. The tip of the needle is tri-bevel and precise, ensuring smoother medication delivery with minimal risk of injury, in addition to lowered chances of pain.

Moreover, these EasyTouch® 25G x 1.5″ hypodermic needles can be attached to almost all kinds of syringes as they are compatible with Luer lock and slip tip attachment mechanisms. As for their construction, these hypodermic needles are constructed using stainless steel and are free from latex as well as other known allergens.

Furthermore, these EasyTouch® 25G x 1.5″ hypodermic needles are ideal for use in clinical setups, hospitals, and pharmacies, among other healthcare facilities. These are also preferred for the administration of vaccines and hormones. Each case of the product contains 100 hypodermic needles, and 6 cases can be purchased at the above-mentioned price.

BD PrecisionGlide Hypodermic Needle 305167

US$69.88

Product Details

BD PrecisionGlide hypodermic needles are thin-walled medical tools used for the delivery of liquid medications. These have a 21-gauge size and a length of 1¹/₂ inches. While learning about used hypodermic needle disposal, it is also essential to know about the applications of the product.

In this regard, these BD PrecisionGlide hypodermic needles are considered ideal for general-purpose injections as well as aspirations. In the price mentioned above, a box of these BD PrecisionGlide hypodermic needles with 100 items can be secured.

Sol-Millennium 113010B Sol-M Hypodermic Needle 30 Gauge 1 Inch (Bulk, Non-sterile) (10000/CS)

US$445.61

Product Details

Sol-Millennium 113010B Sol-M hypodermic needles come in different lengths as well as gauge sizes to accommodate a variety of applications. These are top-notch in terms of their quality and allow smoother skin penetration. To ensure a pain-free injection, these hypodermic needles come with a tri-bevel tip that is lubricated to render the process quick and easy.

In addition, these Sol-Millennium hypodermic syringes are constructed using stainless steel and are sterile. The absence of allergy-causing materials, such as latex, among others. Their compatibility with all the standard Luer Lock and Luer Slip connectors makes them the first choice of healthcare staff. When it comes to learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, keep in mind that these items should be disposed of in a dedicated sharps container.

Moreover, these Sol-Millennium 113010B Sol-M hypodermic needles have color-coded needle hubs that also present a flashback confirmation. Each pack of the product contains 1000 hypodermic needles that are constructed according the ISO-6009, which is further in compliance with the criteria given by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

Hypodermic needles can be used to administer vaccines

The products mentioned in this article, while learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of hypodermic needles.

Conclusion

Hypodermic needles are one of the must-have items in healthcare facilities. These are employed for the delivery of liquid medications via routes other than the conventional oral route. This way, medications can be transferred directly into the bloodstream, deeper into the muscular tissue, as well as under the skin.

While learning about the used hypodermic needle disposal, keep in mind that the FDA has set certain guidelines regarding the procedure. It involves the services that can be availed to get rid of the sharps containers. In addition, the FDA also enlists some dos and don’ts that should be kept in mind when it comes to the used hypodermic needle disposal.

Considering their importance, hypodermic needles should be kept in healthcare facilities to use whenever necessary. For purchasing different types of hypodermic needles, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.