Recapping: The "one-hand" technique

Many accidental needlesticks occur when staff are recapping needles. Recapping is a dangerous practice: If at all possible, dispose of needles immediately without recapping them.

If it does become necessary for you to recap a needle (for example, to avoid carrying an unprotected sharp when immediate disposal is not possible), do not bend or break the needle and do not remove a hypodermic needle from the syringe by hand.

To safely recap needles, use the "one-hand" technique:

Step 1
Place the cap on a flat surface, then remove your hand from the cap.

Step 2
With one hand, hold the syringe and use the needle to "scoop up" the cap.

Step 3
When the cap covers the needle completely, use the other hand to secure the cap on the needle hub. Be careful to handle the cap at the bottom only (near the hub).

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