While infection control typically focuses on hand hygiene and sterilisation, sharps disposal often gets sidelined. Yet, improper disposal of needles and other sharps significantly increases the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. It’s time to bring sharps safety into the infection control spotlight.

The Overlooked Risk Factor Sharps injuries are a direct pathway for infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. When containers are overfilled, poorly placed, or non-compliant, the risk of accidental needlesticks escalates—posing a threat to healthcare workers and patients alike.

Sharps and Cross-Contamination In busy clinical settings, a single exposed needle can contaminate surfaces or gloves, contributing to indirect transmission. Integrating proper sharps disposal into routine protocols helps reduce this risk.

Best Practices for Integrating Sharps Safety

• Place containers at point-of-use to reduce handling.
• Use smart systems that alert staff when a container is full.
• Incorporate sharps disposal training into infection control education.

Conclusion Sharps disposal isn’t an afterthought—it’s a frontline defence against infection. By embedding it into standard infection control practices, we protect not just our staff, but the patients they serve.