• Examined blood samples are stored for at least 24 hrs for reexamination, if required in indoor and outdoor sections.
• All examined samples are store at 2-8℃ in refrigerator.
• Indoor and outdoor samples are stored in separate refrigerator. (HI/NCHSLS/ EQ-22 and HI/NCHSLS/ EQ-52)
• Samples for HPLC should be stored at 2-8℃ for 1 week.
• Coagulation samples should be stored for 4 hours at room temperature.

BMA- stained slides are stored for 5 years.

BMB- slides and blocks of tissue stored for 10 years.

Responsibility: Class IV, Technical staff, Doctor staff

Objective: *Proper disposal of Bio-Medical Waste as per the pollution control act.

*All Red bags & puncture proof containers are filled with 1-2% of Sodium Hypochlorite Solution

Yellow Bag	Red Bag	Blue/White Puncture proof bucket	Black Bag
Soiled (with blood or serum)) items. Spirit swabs contaminated with blood. Human Anatomical waste,Chemical waste	Disposable contaminated items., all vacuttee, plastic syringe,micropipette tips, , gloves etc.	Any sharp item which can cause puncture. Lancets, Slides, Test tubes, Needle,Scalpels etc	All inert waste. Garbage, wrappers, food stuff, paper etc

guidelines_healthcare_june_2018.pdf

Points to be remembered:

• Chemicals treatment is done using at least 1-2 % hypo chlorite solution or any other equivalent chemical reagent. It must be ensured that chemical treatment ensures disinfections.
• Wash the gloved hand under running water, then remove gloves and fill with some water. Put them in red bucket.
• All reusable glassware shall be disinfected by treating with 1-2% hypochlorite & detergent before cleaning. Subsequently glassware must be kept in hot-air oven at 160 degree for 1 hour.
• Guideline for disposal of blood samples: Open the lid of vacuttee and put them in 1-2% Hypochlorite solution. Dispose the empty vacuttee in red bag.
• In case of blood spills
  • Flood area with 1 % Hypochlorite solution & leave it for 30 minutes cover the area with gauze sponges to absorb the liquid and then discard them.
  • Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Contaminated protective clothing and napkins should be kept in a separate container and then send it in laundry for washing.
• Waste should be segregated and clearly labeled at source. It is mandatory that the biohazard symbol must be clearly seen on the bins collecting biomedical waste. This is the most important step in handling waste and mainly from the patient care areas.
• A system of colour code for containers and types of waste should be followed. Appropriate containers or bag holders should be placed in all locations where particular categories of waste may be generated. Instructions on waste separation and identification should be posted at each waste collection point to remind staff of the procedures.. Staff should never attempt to correct errors of segregation by removing items from a bag or container after disposal or by placing one bag inside another bag of a different colour.
• If general and hazardous waste are accidentally mixed, the mixture should be treated as hazardous health care waste.
• Waste should be collected daily (or as frequently as required) and transported to designated central storage site. Nursing and other clinical staff should ensure that waste bags are tightly closed or sealed when they are about three-quarters full. Bags should not be closed by stapling. The bags or containers should be replaced immediately with new.
• Always segregate waste into infectious and noninfectious waste at the source of generation, during waste collection and transportation.
• Clean the bins regularly with soap & water/disinfectant
• Never overfill the bins
• Never store waste beyond 48 hrs.
• Always remember to disinfect & mutilate the waste before its final disposal.
• Never throw infectious waste into general waste without any pretreatment and mutilation.

Always wear personal protective gears like gloves, mask & glasses while handling infective fluid container. Documentation: Biomedical waste register

MANAGEMENT OF SPILLS OR ACCIDENTS OF BLOOD / INFECTIOUS MATERIAL IN THE LABORATORY. In case of spills or accidents the following steps are essential and to be followed Wear gloves

Cover the spillage with paper towel/absorbent material*

Pour hypochlorite 1%

Leave for 30 minutes

Clean the area

Wipe the surface with disinfectant again and mop up to leave a clean area.Place the absorbent material in the yellow biohazard bag meant for infectious waste.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Gloves to be worn, avoid direct contact of gloved hand with spill.
• Sweep broken glass/fractured plastic with dustpan and brush.
• Needle stick or other puncture wounds, cuts and skin contaminated with spill should be washed with soap and water, do not squeeze or do not apply spirit.
• Report immediately.
• Maintain the record.

CONTENTS OF SPILL KIT:

• Gloves, Gauze piece
• Mask, Cotton
• Sodium Hypochlorite, Plastic Bottle