Which item is critical for phlebotomists to dispose of properly?

Needles are critical for phlebotomists to dispose of properly due to their potential to cause injury and transmit infectious diseases. Sharp objects, such as needles, pose a significant risk not only to healthcare workers but also to others who may come into contact with them after use. Proper disposal in designated sharps containers is essential to prevent needle-stick injuries and to ensure that safety standards are maintained within the healthcare environment.

While other items, such as paperwork and patient records, also require careful handling to maintain confidentiality and compliance with regulations, and collection tubes need to be disposed of properly to prevent contamination, the immediate danger posed by improperly managed needles makes their correct disposal a critical focus for phlebotomy practices.