How Should Medical Disposables Be Handled?

Update:09-09-2022
Summary:

One of the biggest concerns for ICU nurses and hospital […]

One of the biggest concerns for ICU nurses and hospital administrators is the risk of cross-contamination. Choosing Medical disposable supplies can limit the risk and help hospitals manage resources and healthcare costs. While reusable hospital supplies are a good way to support a cleaner environment, they require multiple touch points and may be unsanitary.

Medical waste is regulated by state environmental programs and health departments. Since 1991, the EPA no longer has federal authority to regulate this waste. Contact your state's environmental program or health agency to determine the best way to dispose of your medical waste. Other federal agencies may regulate medical waste as well.

Good storage practices for medical products are crucial for maintaining product quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medical waste should be disposed of in an environment that does not promote disease. As a result, the WHO has published guidelines for medical product storage. These guidelines include proper expiry dates and a shelf life policy. Many medical and surgical disposables deteriorate over time. Polypropylene syringes, for example, may break if they are stored in humid environments. Paper packaging may soften after prolonged storage. As such, adhering to expiry dates is vital to preventing unnecessary risks to both patients and medical staff.

In addition to proper storage, the proper disposal of biomedical waste is crucial for the protection of the environment and the health of patients. Inappropriate disposal of biomedical waste can lead to cross-contamination and HAI.