Infection Control · single question
Which element containing biohazardous material with contaminated fluid is considered REGULATED WASTE?
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Correct answer: A. Used anesthetic carpules
Used anesthetic carpules (A) are regulated (biohazardous) waste because they contain blood-contaminated fluid (residual anesthetic that has been in contact with blood upon aspiration during the injection). Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, regulated waste includes items containing blood or OPIM that could release a liquid or semi-liquid if compressed.
• Broken glass (B): sharps waste (different category) but not necessarily regulated waste unless contaminated with blood.
• Used gloves and gauze with minimal blood: generally NOT regulated waste unless they would release blood if compressed — they go in regular trash.
• Regulated waste disposal: red biohazard bags or labeled sharps containers, incineration or autoclaving before disposal.
• Broken glass (B): sharps waste (different category) but not necessarily regulated waste unless contaminated with blood.
• Used gloves and gauze with minimal blood: generally NOT regulated waste unless they would release blood if compressed — they go in regular trash.
• Regulated waste disposal: red biohazard bags or labeled sharps containers, incineration or autoclaving before disposal.
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