What type of materials are included under the category of sharps?

• A. Non-cutting instruments
• B. Only needles and scalpels
• C. Various cutting instruments
• D. Reusable instruments only

Answer: (C)

Sharps refer to a category of materials that can puncture or cut the skin and other surfaces, posing a risk of injury or infection. This category typically includes various cutting instruments such as scalpels, blades, needles, and glass vials that can cause lacerations or puncture wounds. These items are critical to surgical and medical settings, and their proper handling and disposal are vital for maintaining safety.

The inclusion of various cutting instruments as sharps underscores the diversity of tools that fall under this classification. Proper training focuses on recognizing all potential sharps to ensure they are managed correctly, minimizing the risk of injury to healthcare professionals and patients alike. The other options do not encompass the full range of materials categorized as sharps, highlighting the importance of understanding which items are categorized as such for safety and procedural compliance in healthcare environments.