What should be done with a vacutainer holder after use?

The correct choice involves discarding the vacutainer holder after use. This practice is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing cross-contamination. Vacutainer holders are designed for single-use to minimize the risk of infection and ensure that all components that come into contact with blood specimens are disposed of properly. By discarding the holder, healthcare facilities adhere to infection control protocols, thus protecting both patients and healthcare workers from potential hazards.

Options suggesting washing and reusing or storing for later use can introduce risks, as these practices may not effectively eliminate contaminants and could contribute to infections. Passing the holder to another technician risks transferring pathogens and does not comply with standard safety practices. Therefore, the appropriate course of action is to discard the vacutainer holder immediately after use to maintain a safe and sterile environment in any medical setting.