[Histonet] Infectious waste

[Martin, Gary]

Vikki

Thank you for your response.  CAP is exactly why I am asking this
question.  WE do presently have procedures for the exceptions you
mentioned.  However, it came up in conversation that shavings may be
considered "infectious waste".  I have yet to find anything in the CAP
information that mention this material.  I did note your mention of
block disposal, and we have that under control per CAP requirements.
It's the grey area of shaving we are questioning. 

Gary

 

 

From: Victoria Baker [mailto:bakevictoria <@t> gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 9:35 AM
To: Martin, Gary
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Infectious waste

 

Hi

 

You may receive many opinions on this --- just a heads up.  Many
clinical labs do not consider shavings or debris from cutting to be red
bag (hazardous) waste as they are no longer a 'biological hazard' due to
the processing process which incorporates heat, alcohol and a fixative
that is expected to effectively kill any infectious agents. There are
some exceptions, which you can find in the CDC or OSHA guidelines such
as dealing with tissue of brain (Jakob-creutzfeldt) lung (TB or other
air-borne pathogens).  CAP also has requirements/guidelines for handling
these cases which you will need to have documentation for the processing
procedure.  I would suggest that you refer to these guidelines and also
to your institutions regulations on what is regarded as hazardous waste.
Above and beyond anything else make sure you document and site in your
procedures manual your sources.

 

Hope this will help you.

 

Vikki

 

PS - any spelling errors I apologize for in advance ;-)

On Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 11:45 AM, Martin, Gary
<gmartin <@t> marshallmedical.org> wrote

We are wondering if paraffin block shavings are considered infectious
waste.

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