Needle Clippers: What They Are & How to Dispose of Them
With almost eight billion Americans using medical needles every day, there’s definitely a need for needle clippers. From in vitro fertilization (IVF) needles to insulin needles, people use sharps daily to manage a myriad of health needs. Needle clippers make it easier to safely manage sharps waste.
If you’re not one of those billions who use sharps for yourself or your loved ones, this blog will help you understand the ins and outs of what needle clippers are, how they work, who they’re most useful for, and how to properly dispose of them.
What Is a Needle Clipper?
A needle clipper is a safe storage device that allows you easily remove syringe and pen needles while retaining them within the clipper. Needle clippers are FDA-approved sharps containers that can hold up to 1,500 clipped needles, approximately a 2-year supply (depending on the frequency of use).
Needle clippers make it easier to safely manage sharps waste.
Needle clippers can be purchased at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and major retailers. They typically can be used with 28G through 31G needles and 3/16” (5mm) through ½” (12.7mm) length needles. They are not intended for use with lancets. Be sure to check with your medical provider or pharmacist to make sure your needle device is compatible with a needle clipper.
How Do Needle Clippers Work?
A needle clipper is a portable device that removes the needle from syringes and pens to make them unusable. You will insert the needle into the small hole on the device and press down to clip it off at the base. The needle will be automatically retained within the clipper to prevent loss and injury. Once the needle is removed, your syringe is safe to throw away in the trash. Do not clip a needle if it is not your own syringe.
Who Needs a Needle Clipper?
Needle clippers can be beneficial for anyone that uses needles at home to self-manage medical conditions or those of their pets. Sharps are used to treat a wide array of conditions including allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, blood clotting disorders, psoriasis, and more.
Do not clip a needle if it is not your own syringe.
Sharps waste must be handled carefully to prevent needlestick injuries and the spread of disease. FDA-cleared containers have been tested for their safety and effectiveness to reduce the risk of injury and infections from used sharps.
Needle Clipper Disposal
Needle clippers are small, safe, and can be used many times, making them an excellent storage system for used needles. These can be especially helpful when traveling, as it can be hard to find public disposal options. When your clipper is full, it should be disposed of in compliance with your state and local regulations.
Safe Sharps Disposal with Medical Waste Pros
If you’re in the market for safe, compliant sharps disposal, Medical Waste Pros can help. We have a nationwide network of providers who make medical waste disposal easy and affordable. From chemotherapy, pharmaceutical, and biohazardous waste to controlled substances and empty pill bottles, our providers can assist you with safe, effective disposal.
Begin by calling us at (888) 755-6370 or filling out the form. Within minutes, we will connect you with a safe provider in your area who will provide a free, no-obligation quote. Whether you’re in San Jose or Syracuse, they can help you purchase the appropriate sharps containers and recommend the best disposal system for your needs.
