What items should be included in a chemotherapy sharps container?

The inclusion of needles and syringes in a chemotherapy sharps container is essential due to safety regulations and best practices in handling hazardous materials. Chemotherapy agents can be highly toxic, and any items that may contain or have come into contact with these drugs must be disposed of properly to prevent accidental exposure and contamination. Needles and syringes are considered sharps because they pose a risk of needle-stick injuries, which can lead to the transmission of infections or exposure to hazardous substances.

In contrast, items such as IV bags and tubes are not placed in sharps containers since they do not pose the same injury risk; they are typically disposed of in biohazard waste containers. Cleaning supplies and patient records are also not suitable for sharps containers, as they do not contain materials that could cause puncture wounds or direct exposure to hazardous compounds. Therefore, the appropriate item for inclusion in a chemotherapy sharps container is indeed needles and syringes, aligning with safety protocols for handling and disposal of hazardous materials in healthcare settings.