Sharps waste

Sharps waste is a form of biomedical waste composed of used "sharps", which includes any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin. Sharps waste is classified as biohazardous waste and must be carefully handled.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ʃɑːrps weɪst/

Etymology

The term "sharps" originates from the English language, referring to an object with a sharp point. "Waste" is also from English, referring to material that is not wanted; the two terms combine to create "sharps waste".

Definition

Sharps waste is a type of biomedical waste that includes any object that can puncture or lacerate the skin, including but not limited to needles, syringes, lancets, and scalpels. This type of waste is considered to be potentially dangerous and must be handled with care to prevent injury and the spread of infectious diseases.

Disposal

Proper disposal of sharps waste is crucial to prevent injury and disease transmission. Sharps should be immediately placed into a sharps disposal container. Autoclaves are often used to sterilize sharps waste before it is disposed of in a landfill. Some areas also have programs for community members to drop off their sharps waste for proper disposal.

Related Terms

• Biomedical waste
• Biohazardous waste
• Autoclaves
• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets
• Scalpels

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sharps waste
• Wikipedia's article - Sharps waste

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