Ensure Compliance By Following These Protocols

The chain of custody in medical waste is a systematic process that tracks the handling, transportation and disposal of medical waste from its point of generation to its disposal. This process is designed to ensure that each medical waste generator and disposal provider is within compliance with local, state and federal mandates and that medical waste is being safely managed. Here’s a guide to the key components of medical waste chain of custody:

Key components of medical waste chain of custody

Because medical waste can contain hazardous materials, sharps, potentially infectious substances and other dangerous materials, it’s crucial that all waste generators and medical waste disposal providers are aware of the chain of custody. Take a look:

Documentation and Record Keeping

Using the waste manifest, a vital component of the medical waste chain of custody, you create a detailed record of the waste. Every step taken throughout the process, beginning with the point of generation to final disposal, must be recorded. Records should include what kind of waste is generated, the amount of waste and details about those who are tasked with collecting, storing and managing the waste.

Proper Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging is critical in preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of those handling medical waste. All containers must be sealed in approved medical waste containers and clearly labeled. This step reduces risks of spills and accidental exposure to potentially harmful materials and ensures correct sorting and processing of different types of waste

Proper Tracking and Monitoring

In order to ensure that medical waste has gone through the proper process during chain of custody, it’s important that all steps of the process are trackable. By tracking and monitoring the entire process, you are ensuring that all waste can be properly identified.

Staff Training

All healthcare professionals must be trained in the process of medical waste chain of custody. Whether they are handling the waste first-hand, involved in the disposal process or managing the collection of waste, it’s imperative that every team member has training on a regular basis.

Adherence to Compliance Mandates

Compliance is a key aspect of the chain of custody and following local, state and federal regulations is a mandate that cannot be compromised. Chain of custody processes must be aligned with the laws related to medical waste disposal. Because regulations are continually changing, it’s also vital that you stay up-to-date as laws evolve and new mandates are put in place.

Transportation

Chain of custody protocols require secure transportation, including working with a licensed and certified medical waste disposal company to ensure adherence to waste transportation regulations.

All Points Medical Waste is a local, family-owned and operated medical waste provider. We can help keep your organization compliant with full-service medical waste disposal services and compliance training for your staff. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page to learn more.