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How to Dispose of Cotton and Test Swabs?

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To reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, most governments are encouraging their citizens to take tests to know their status. With the rising use of test kits like swabs, there is a need to dispose of them properly to since they may contain infectious agents that could prove harmful for other humans, animals, and the environment itself.

Most governments have issued medical guidelines for disposing of infectious waste such as cotton and test swabs. So, how do medical and scientific research facilities dispose of such items? Find out below.
•    Usually, the first step is for hospitals and other medical facilities to safely secure the cotton and test swabs recently used before they are delivered to the nearest containment or disposal facility. The wastes should be stored in a sealed biohazard container to prevent spills or leaks.
•    These wastes should only be handled by designated staff and should not be left exposed to the general public.
•    The cotton and test swabs are then taken to a facility whose sole purpose is either containing or disposing of infectious waste such as the cotton and test swabs. These wastes should be removed at regular intervals and transported in adherence to the ‘Transporting used rapid test kits.’
•    These infectious wastes then undergo treatment to be safely disposed of.
•    Lastly, the cotton and test swabs are discarded in a safe and approved medical waste disposal site.

Cotton swabs used at home or any other facility should not be flushed down the toilet as they can easily block the system. What’s more, they can pollute the environment. Just ensure that they are safely secured and disposed of the right way.

Conclusion
The government is very strict about the safe disposal of infectious waste such as cotton and test swabs because of the dangers it may pose to humans and animals. Hospitals and medical facilities are required to comply with the set guidelines when it comes to disposing of infectious waste to ensure the safety of everyone.