Sharps count is performed how many times and when?

• A. 2 times (before group gets there and after group when people are still there)
• B. Once in the morning
• C. Three times per shift
• D. Not counted

Answer: (A)

Sharps count is a safety check to account for every sharp object (needles, syringes, blades) to prevent injuries and ensure nothing is lost or left behind. Doing the count twice—before the group arrives and again after the group is finished while people are still present—creates a clear before-and-after snapshot. The initial count establishes how many sharps are issued or expected, and the after-session check verifies what was actually used and that all items are accounted for. This immediate, two-point verification helps catch discrepancies right away, supports safe handling and disposal, and reinforces accountability.

Counting only once in the morning would miss sharps used later in the day, and not counting at all is unsafe. A count three times per shift isn’t typically required for standard practice and can be disruptive.