Biomedical waste
Biomedical Waste
Biomedical waste or hospital waste is any kind of waste containing infectious (or potentially infectious) materials. It may also include waste associated with the generation of biomedical research, such as in laboratory work and in animal research, both of which can include a wide range of contaminants (e.g., chemicals and heavy metals).
Pronunciation: /ˌbʌɪoʊˈmɛdɪkəl weɪst/
Etymology: The term "biomedical waste" is derived from the words "biology" (the study of living organisms), "medicine" (the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease), and "waste" (material that is discarded as no longer useful or required).
Definition
Biomedical waste is defined as any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals.
Classification
Biomedical waste can be classified into the following categories:
- Infectious waste: Waste contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids.
- Pathological waste: Human tissues, organs or body parts, etc.
- Sharps: Needles, syringes, scalpels, etc.
- Pharmaceutical waste: Expired or no longer needed medications.
- Chemical waste: Disinfectants, solvents used for laboratory preparations, etc.
- Radioactive waste: Unwanted radioactive materials.
Disposal
The disposal of biomedical waste is a critical aspect of hospital hygiene and infection control. Proper management of biomedical waste is not only about safe disposal but also about preventing the spread of infectious diseases and minimizing the impact on the environment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biomedical waste
- Wikipedia's article - Biomedical waste
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