one handed scoop

[holistic1]

Has anyone used the one handed scoop technique on a used needle when not in close range to a sharps container?

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

If I have, it was before safety needles. Come to think of it, I can't recall ever recapping a dirty needle. The only recapping I do recall doing is when I drew up something in the med room and then had to go give it. I used a one-handed technique.

[TazziRN, RN]

Never. I have always held the cap at the closed end, dropped the open end over the needle point and let it fall on, then carried it to a sharps box. Now that we have containers in every room it's not an issue. Not all of our needles have safety features; we use 27-g alot in the ER but our IF staff has not been able to find them with safety features.

[cindylou617]

What is the one handed scoop technique?

[TazziRN, RN]

What is the one handed scoop technique?

You lay the empty cap on the counter and slide the needle into the cap with one hand, never having your other hand near the needle point. You "scoop" the cap up with the needle.

[cindylou617]

oh ok i just call it the no touch technique, which i use at home but i was told never to recap needles!! thank you for the clarification!

[TazziRN, RN]

This was taught before there were sharps boxes in every room and before needles with safety guards. Us dinosaurs remember those days. :rotfl:

[lilprincess]

One of my instructors teaches this technique but now that I am in the clinical part of my education I notice that it is not used. All the needles we use have safety features and the sharps container is right there near by.

[TazziRN, RN]

One of my instructors teaches this technique but now that I am in the clinical part of my education I notice that it is not used. All the needles we use have safety features and the sharps container is right there near by.

The needles that come in suture kits and other surgical kits don't have the safety features. The docs are supposed to toss their own sharps, but be aware of this in case one doesn't and you have to clean up after him.

[burn out]

That is exactly how I was taught once upon a time when HIV did not exist and universal precautions were just a glint in someones's eye.