How To Safely Dispose of It

Healthcare facilities that generate medical waste must understand the dangers of all types of waste and how to collect, manage and dispose of them. This includes category A waste, a type of medical waste that can cause serious illness, injury or even death if it is mishandled and improperly disposed of. Understanding what constitutes Category A medical waste, the dangers associated with it and how to handle and dispose of it is essential for healthcare providers and those who handle medical waste.

What is Category A Medical Waste?

Category A medical waste is defined as waste that can cause serious illness or death due to its high potential for infection. This type of waste usually includes materials contaminated with pathogens that are highly infectious and pose a serious risk to human health. These types of pathogens can cause severe illnesses in humans and animals and being exposed to them can pose a risk of catastrophic health consequences.

What Types of Waste Are Considered Category A?

Category A medical waste includes the following:

• Cultures and Specimen Cultures of Infectious Agents: This includes cultures from medical and research laboratories, cultures of infectious agents and waste from the production of biological agents.
• Human Pathological Waste: Human tissues, organs and body parts that are removed during surgery or autopsy, which are suspected to be infected with highly contagious pathogens are included in Category A.
• Contaminated Sharps: Any sharp that has been used in medical procedures and is contaminated with infectious materials is a part of Category A. This includes Needles, scalpels and other sharp objects.
• Waste from Patients in Isolation: Any waste materials that are generated from patients who are being treated for highly communicable diseases should be categorized as A.
• Waste from Animals: Animal carcasses, body parts and any bedding materials that have been contaminated with infectious agents can also be categorized as A.

What Are The Dangers of Exposure to Category A Medical Waste?

The dangers associated with exposure to Category A medical waste are significant due to the nature of the pathogens involved. These risks include:

• Infectious Diseases: The pathogens in waste that fall into Category A can pose a risk for serious disease, including Ebola, Lassa fever and other viruses. Being exposed to these pathogens can happen through direct contact with the waste or through accidental injuries such as needlesticks.
• Damage to the Environment: Improper disposal can cause pathogens to leach into the soil, water supply and air which can pose a risk to public health and the environment.
• Safety of Healthcare Workers: Healthcare workers and medical professionals who handle medical waste can be at high risk of exposure. Personal protective protocols must be in place to prevent accidental exposure and infections, which can be fatal or cause chronic health issues.

Compliance Mandates for Category A Disposal

Just like all medical waste, Category A waste must be disposed of according to state and federal compliance regulations.

• Labeling and Packaging: All Category A medical waste must be packaged in leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers. These containers must be properly labeled with biohazard symbols and include the type of waste contained.
• Transportation: Transporting Category A medical waste requires adhering to the mandates established by the Department of Transportation. This type of waste transportation requires a special permit and thus requires a licensed and authorized company to perform the transport.
• Treatment and Disposal: Category A waste must be treated to ensure it is rendered non-infectious before it is disposed of. Some of the common methods for treating this type of waste include autoclaving, incineration and chemical disinfection. Once treated, the waste can be disposed of in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Documentation: All healthcare facilities that generate Category A waste must keep detailed records of the generation, treatment and disposal. Documentation ensures accountability and helps in tracking waste from its source to its final disposal.
• Staff Training: Any medical personnel handling Category A medical waste must receive proper training on how to handle it safely, the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) and what to do in case of accidental exposure.

Category A medical waste can pose significant risks to people, animals and the environment. Ensuring that all waste of this type is properly identified, collected, stored and disposed of is vital. Following compliance regulations and implementing best practices, healthcare organizations can reduce the risks associated with Category A medical waste.

All Points Medical Waste can help with all types of medical waste disposal. We are a family-owned and operated company in Stuart, Florida, serving healthcare facilities across the state. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page to learn more.