Which of the following constitutes a regulated (biohazardous) waste in the dental office when it is contaminated with blood?

Correct answer: C. Used anesthetic carpules with visible blood

• A. Broken glass is a sharps hazard but is regulated waste only if contaminated with blood/body fluids. Glass slides with patient specimens would be regulated; empty broken glass is sharps waste but not necessarily biohazardous.
• B. Unused gauze is neither contaminated nor regulated waste.
• C. CORRECT. Regulated medical waste includes items contaminated with blood or potentially infectious materials. Anesthetic carpules that contain visible blood (blood that has been aspirated back into the carpule) are classified as regulated waste and must be disposed of in biohazard containers. All other carpules (without visible blood) are pharmaceutical waste.
• D. Paper bibs may have minor saliva contamination but are generally not classified as regulated waste unless saturated with blood.