Final answer:
To prevent needle sticks and infections, needles and other sharps must be discarded in a sharps container immediately after use, especially in high-risk settings. Medical staff must follow safety protocols including wearing protective gear and performing procedures in a sterile environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Items such as needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects that are used in medical procedures should always be placed in a sharps container immediately after use to prevent needle sticks and potential infections. This practice is particularly important in environments where there is a high risk of needle stick injuries, such as among drug addicts, phlebotomists, and dentists. To ensure safety and prevent the spread of infections, it is also crucial that all medical procedures are performed within a sterile field using proper aseptic technique.
Furthermore, when dealing with contaminated specimens or equipment, or when working with infected patients, personnel must comply with stringent safety protocols, including wearing protective clothing, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. In the case of skin contact with contaminants, immediate washing and disinfection procedures must be followed. All contaminated waste should be appropriately treated, either through incineration or autoclaving, and instruments must be carefully cleaned and soaked in a strong basic solution to ensure sterilization.