2016/04/14

Overview of Pathological Waste Disposal

biohazard bags

Pathological waste is a very common type of waste generated by numerous healthcare and medical research and testing facilities. And due to its unique qualities and challenges, pathological waste calls for different collection and disposal procedures than your typical red-bag waste. It's a good idea to have separate guidelines for handling of pathological waste, even if you don't have to deal with it frequently. At BWS, we help numerous medical institutions dispose of pathological waste on a daily basis. Here are a few tips and some basic overview to help you make sure you are doing it right!

What is Considered Pathological Waste?

Pathological waste is a subcategory of biohazardous waste. It typically originates from surgical procedures or research that involves removal of organs, tissues or body parts. Pathological waste can be human or animal. For the purpose of proper classification and disposal, teeth, hair and nails are not considered pathological waste in Maryland. Check with your state's health authorities or with your medical waste disposal vendor if you need help determining what is and what isn't pathological waste. Common types of pathological waste include:

  • Amputated tissues, organs and body parts
  • Tissue samples collected for analysis
  • Animal tissues, organs, body parts or carcasses used in research

Pathological Waste Collection

Pathological waste should be separated from the rest of the red-bag regulated medical waste. It possesses a few qualities that may warrant different disposal procedures. Consider this when developing your facility's guidelines for pathological waste collection and disposal:

  • Pathological waste, specifically anatomical waste such as organs, can be saturated or filled with bodily fluids. Special measures, such as double-bagging or use of absorbents, may need to be taken to prevent leakage.
  • Pathological waste has to be refrigerated in order to slow down decomposition and prevent odors. It's best to have it picked up promptly.
  • Some pathological waste may be hazardous if it was in contact with hazardous chemicals such as chemotherapy drugs. It may also be infectious or potentially infectious. In either case, it should be labeled accordingly.

Pathological Waste Disposal

Pathological waste can be packaged into a variety of containers. Commonly used containers include cardboard boxes, biohazard toters and carts lined with red bags. You are free to choose the right collection container based on the amount of pathological waste you generate, as well as the size and location of your storage area. After we pick up your pathological waste, we take it to an incinerator where it is safely disposed of. If you don't produce pathological waste frequently, be sure to make special arrangements for a pickup. For large-quantity bulk pathological waste generators there is an option for on-site disposal via a “tissue digester.” This appliance is commonly used by laboratories that receive large quantities of animal tissue samples to test for known diseases. A tissue digester works like a pressure cooker, helping significantly reduce the volume of the pathological waste, as well as deactivate stubborn infectious agents. Tissue remains resulting from such processing can often be disposed of via a sanitary sewer system or treated as biohazardous waste. Get in touch with us if you have other questions about pathological waste or need to order collection containers!  

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Tomicka Jackson-George, D.M.D.

“I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal.”

Louis Sachs, D.D.S.

“Professional and always on time! Great service!”

Kate Blair English

“Great option for healthcare waste management. BWS is an independent owned professional organization that is built on integrity and trust. There is no other company in the region that I'd recommend more. Most others say the right things the folks at BWS do the right thing. I'll continue to recommend them.”

Dave Ryan

We are a medical practice in a new location and needed hazardous waste removal services. We have been so pleased with the level of service and professionalism on both the admin and field work end of BWS services, and their pricing is fair and flexible. We would highly recommend them to any medical practice in need of these services.

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Every staff member that I have interacted with has been very friendly. They are quick to respond to emails and do a great job.

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Keith Roberts, Biomatrix Specialty Pharmacy

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Mireia Pedragosa Marin, Synergy Research

They were responsive and quickly start services. They were also great at answering all my questions and updating on when services would start.

Rebecca Crouse, Randolph Macon Academy

We used BWS for sharps disposal at a doctor's office. I saw their bright truck in the parking lot at work which lead me to call for a quote. They responded to my inquiry quickly and thoroughly, answering all my questions. They gave me pricing that was very reasonable, and lower than many companies I checked. They were a pleasure to communicate with via phone and email, no phone tag! The truck arrived the day and time we planned. The driver was very personable and easy to communicate with. The people I interacted with seem to understand the value of customer service. I would highly recommend them. They will take care of you.

Melissa C, Patriot Chiropractic

Excellent, professional service and very reasonable price on medical waste removal. Danielle was fantastic to work with - thanks Danielle!

Dr. Rosario Ignacio

Reliable and affordable

Dr. Thomas Lutz, Odenton Family Dentistry

I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal. Over the 20+ years that I have used them the scope of their services has increased as well as making documentation of their service easier to use!

Dr. Louis Sachs, DDS

I ran a dental charity for many years, organizing huge clinics to treat those in need. BWS donated their waste disposal services for every clinic for many years, and they continue to do so to this day. This is always a huge job, and they are always reliable, dedicated, and fun to work with. They know what it means to give back.

Eric B.

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