What should a phlebotomist do if they find all the sharps containers full upon arriving to work?

When a phlebotomist encounters full sharps containers upon arriving at work, the appropriate action is to safely handle the situation by placing the filled containers into a designated biohazard box and replacing them with new, empty containers. This practice ensures that the infectious waste is properly contained and disposed of in accordance with health and safety regulations.

Sharps containers are specifically designed to handle items like needles and other sharp instruments that pose a risk of injury and infection. By transferring the full containers to a biohazard box, the phlebotomist prevents potential exposure to contaminants and reduces the risk of needlestick injuries to themselves and others. Additionally, replacing the full containers with empty ones ensures that there is always a safe receptacle available for the collection of additional sharps, maintaining a secure and compliant environment in the workplace.