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Examples of Infectious Waste

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Among the different types of medical waste, infectious waste is one of the most dangerous and deadliest types. Any type of waste that can infect either humans or animals can be put into this category.

Here are some examples of the most common infectious waste:

●    Animal Waste from Research Institutions

Animals are one of the most commonly tested organisms in medical research, and some of their waste can be considered infectious if exposed to some infectious agents. The animal waste from research institutions can infect other animals and have the potential to infect humans.

●    Blood

Any waste that may contain the blood of a person or animal can be considered infectious as well. A lot of viruses and other infectious agents can still be found in some discarded blood waste.

●    Sharps

This type of waste refers to sharp materials that may have been exposed to infectious agents. Samples of this type include scalpels, needles, blades, and other sharp objects that are used in surgeries.

●    Laboratory Waste

This refers to waste that is normally found in most laboratories that has the potential to cause an infection. For example, cultures of viruses or bacteria that have been grown in a lab may be considered infectious waste if discarded. Other objects that may belong to this category include discarded vaccines that could still possibly infect humans or animals.

●    Humans Fluids and Body Parts

Certain human fluids and body parts may carry infectious agents, which is why they have been put in the infectious waste category. Examples of body parts that may be infectious include teeth, limbs that have been cut off, and organs. On the other hand, examples of human fluids may include cerebrospinal, pericardial, pleural, and amniotic fluids.