How to handle and dispose of sharps
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Most needlestick injuries happen after the procedure, while handling or throwing away the sharp.
Step by step
One needle, one syringe, one time
Never reuse a needle or syringe, even on the same patient's IV bag. [1]
Plan the disposal
Have a sharps container within reach before you start. [1]
Activate the safety device
Right after use, with one hand. [1]
Do not recap
If recapping is unavoidable, use the one-handed scoop method. [1]
Dispose at once
Straight into the container, point first. Never pass a sharp hand to hand. [1]
Do not overfill
Replace the container when it reaches the fill line (about three quarters full). [1]
After a needlestick
Wash the area with soap and water, report it right away and get evaluated for exposure treatment. [1]
Common errors
- Two-handed recapping.
- Leaving sharps on a tray or in the bed.
- Waiting to report a needlestick.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
Sources
Facts and steps follow CDC, Guideline for Isolation Precautions (2007) and PPE sequence. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.