Disposing of liquid and solid medical waste from the operating suite is a task that every healthcare facility must perform with an eye toward efficiency and cost effectiveness while protecting healthcare workers from exposure to pathogenic bacteria and viruses. These workers are often exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other dangerous bloodborne pathogens on a daily basis. Through the institution of safe work practices and engineering controls, healthcare providers’ exposure can be significantly reduced.
ICT asked members of industry to share their thoughts on key points and best practices to remember regarding the capture and disposal of infectious body fluids to prevent occupational exposure. Our respondents are:
Bill Merkle, president, MD Technologies
Terri Clouse, RN, CNOR, clinical specialist and national sales manager, Bemis Health Care
Russell D’Anna, business development leader for spill control, Multisorb Technologies
Merkle: Key points include:
-- Infection prevention should have highest priority in performing medical procedures.
-- Risk of exposure to infectious fluids increases with each added step in disposal process.
-- Fluid collection and disposal should isolate staff from exposure to infectious fluids.
-- Spilled fluids present a challenge of protecting staff during the collection process.
-- Floor drains and hoppers offer effective, low-cost disposal with low protection.
-- Protective equipment (masks, gloves, gowns, etc. should be used to reduce exposure.
-- Direct fluid disposal affords maximum staff isolation from exposure.
Best practices include:
