Sharps Container Sizes

There are many applications for the use of a Sharps Container, and therefore there is a very wide range of Sharps Container sizes to choose from.  The obvious determining factor in choosing the correct size will be a combination of type of sharps used, volume of sharps used, and location of sharps used.  A large, busy operating room, or busy blood lab will need a much larger sharps container than a small general practitioner for example.

It’s important from a safety standpoint and from an efficiency stand point to choose the correct sharps container size for your specific needs.

Sharps Container Sizes By Application

Phlebotomy Containers – These are the perfect sharps container size to fit most standard phlebotomy trays and come in a variety of opening sizes to dispose of small syringes, butterfly tubing, etc.

Patient Room Sharps Container Systems –  These come in a wide variety of sizes, and usually have a unique lid design that restricts accidental access to container contents.   This type of restriction makes them perfect for pediatrics, geriatrics, or any other high risk area.

Transportable Sharps Containers Sizes – These come in a variety of sizes such as 1 quart, 1.5 quart, and 8 quarts and are made in shapes perfect for easy transportability.  They are made to close securely reducing the likelihood of dangerous spills and leaks if they are knocked over.  The transportable sharps containers are perfect for EMS, fire rescue, and travelling nurses, and can usually be operated with one handed use.

Operating Room Sharps Container Sizes – OR’s typically require and use large volume sharps containers that adhere with OHSA guidelines.  Typical sizes can be in the 8 gallon or 10 gallon size or even larger.  The same size can also be perfect for high volume Chemotherapy rooms where a large number of needles are used and disposed of on a frequent daily basis.

Again, before buying a new sharps container, be sure to consider where you need it, and how much needle and other sharps you use and dispose of on a daily basis, and of course, budget and storage  requirements.  But, rest assured, there is such a wide variety of Sharps container sizes, that you will find the perfect one to suit your needs.