Medical waste is broadly classified as any item that comes into contact with body fluids. Specifically, it is any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of humans. This type of waste was once collected in special bags and plastic boxes in clinical settings and then disposed of like normal trash. However, this process was quickly found to spread diseases and viruses and potentially cause outbreaks.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the red biohazardous containers and bags seen throughout hospitals and doctors\u2019 offices are used to safely remove sharps, needles, and IV catheters that contain any human blood or bodily fluid. Medical waste also includes paper towels, wipes, gloves, syringes without needles, bandages or dressings with small amounts of dry blood or fluid, and any other material from medical care. Syringes with needles or sharp objects that can pierce through a plastic bag require a special storage container for additional protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several medical waste disposal methods healthcare providers can choose from. The first question in choosing which one is appropriate is a question of where the waste gets disposed of: namely, on-site or off-site? Usually it\u2019s picked up and done off-site as most facilities can\u2019t handle the challenges of on-site disposal and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Now that we understand what medical waste is, let\u2019s discuss what you came here to find out: what happens to medical waste after it leaves a hospital or other medical facility.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere Medical Waste Gets Disposed Of: A Primer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The second question is how the waste gets transported if it\u2019s disposed of off-site.The answer? MedPro Waste Disposal offers low-cost, secure medical waste disposal with predictable service and predictable cost. Check out our practice savings calculator here to see how much you could save on your medical waste disposal<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n