Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

How should sharp implements, such as lancets, be disposed of?

1. In regular trash

2. In a sharps box

3. By recycling

4. By flushing down the toilet

The correct answer is: In a sharps box

Sharp implements like lancets pose significant health risks if not disposed of properly, as they can cause injuries and potentially transmit infections. The correct method for disposing of such items is to place them in a sharps container, which is specifically designed to hold and secure sharp objects safely. Sharps containers are puncture-proof, leak-proof, and clearly labeled, which helps prevent accidental needle-stick injuries and ensures that the sharp items can be disposed of in compliance with health regulations. This approach minimizes the risk of injury to sanitation workers and the general public, who may come into contact with disposed items if they are not handled properly. The other disposal methods are unsafe and do not comply with health regulations. Regular trash can pose risks of injury to waste handlers, while recycling processes are not equipped to handle sharp objects. Flushing lancets down the toilet can lead to plumbing issues and environmental hazards, making it an inappropriate disposal method as well.