0 Item(s)
Fluid Waste Disposal: Best Practices for Protecting Yourself, Your Patient, and the Environment
Keyword(s)
1556-2024, Cardinal, nurse, surgical tech, fluid disposal, fluid waste, NCCT, CBRN, fluid waste management, removing fluids
Credits
CBRN:2.0, NCCT:2.0
Description
Fluid waste is generated in multiple areas throughout the healthcare facility. Fluid waste that has not been treated prior to disposal is considered biohazardous and poses a risk to all healthcare professionals who come in contact with this form of medical waste. Patients are also at risk for exposure to pathogens when fluid waste particles become airborne. Therefore, fluid waste may be considered a regulated medical waste that must be handled and disposed of according to regulatory requirements. This can be costly and difficult for healthcare professionals to comply with due to a lack of training, knowledge, and standardized practices. Solutions have been developed to render medical waste safe for disposal and sustainable for environmental health. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with these evidence-based approaches for safe fluid waste management and disposal. They should also take an active role in incorporating safe fluid waste management in policies, procedures, and staff educational activities to reduce exposure to fluid waste across the healthcare setting.