Question 81

A phlebotomist must use the sharps container to dispose of a lancet after performing a capillary collection.

The lancet should be disposed of in the sharps container to prevent injury and ensure safety, as it is a sharp medical instrument that poses a risk of cuts and infections.

A) Lancet

This option is correct because a lancet is a sharp device used to make small incisions in the skin for blood collection. Due to its sharp nature, it must be disposed of in a designated sharps container to mitigate any risk of injury or contamination.

B) Used gauze

This option is incorrect as used gauze is not classified as a sharp object. Instead, it should be disposed of in regular medical waste containers, as it does not pose the same risk of puncture injuries.

C) Microtainer tube

This option is also incorrect because a microtainer tube is a plastic container used for blood collection and does not have sharp edges. It can be disposed of in standard biohazard waste containers, not in the sharps container.

D) Alcohol wipe

This option is incorrect as well, as alcohol wipes are soft and do not have sharp components. Like gauze, they should be disposed of in regular medical waste, not in the sharps container.

Conclusion

The lancet is the only item among the options that requires disposal in a sharps container due to its sharp edges and potential hazard. All other options, including used gauze, microtainer tubes, and alcohol wipes, do not present the same risks and should be disposed of in appropriate waste containers. This distinction is crucial for maintaining safety and hygiene in medical practice.