ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

After performing a venipuncture, one of the key safety precautions is to discard needles in a sharps container. This practice is essential for preventing needlestick injuries, which can expose healthcare workers and others to potential bloodborne pathogens. Sharps containers are specifically designed to safely dispose of needles and other sharp instruments, ensuring that they are not accidentally accessed or cause harm.

Discarding needles in a sharps container is part of universal precautions that healthcare workers must follow to maintain a safe environment. Proper disposal helps to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination and protects both the healthcare provider and the patients they serve.

While cleaning the site with alcohol is important for preventing infection, it is not a post-venipuncture safety measure. Applying pressure to the site helps to stop bleeding immediately after the puncture, but it does not address the disposal of the needle. Removing gloves is relevant, but proper technique involves discarding them only after the disposal of the sharp to minimize any risk of contamination during the process.