Original scientific paper

Assesement of Medical Waste Management

Anita Rakić
Katja Ćurin
Ivana Gjeldum

Abstract

Due to an increase in public interest on the issue of medical waste management, observed both locally and globally, a lot of effort has been directed towards its proper and safe disposal. Medical institutions generate large amounts of different types of waste, which, if not managed properly, can lead to pollution and other environmental hazards, further increasing potential health risk for medical care providers, as well as public health. This study analyzed the infectious waste collected in several microbiology departments within medical facilities, over the course of three months in 2015. Prints were collected off the autoclave treated infectious waste using contact slides. During the three-month period, more than 9 t of infectious waste were autoclaved under the following conditions: temperature 134 °C; pressure of 2.1 MPa for 15 minutes. Analysis of hygienic status of autoclaved waste plays a critical role in the prevention of infectious disease epidemics. Results of this study, primarily isolated bacteria, indicate the presence of airborne bacteria spores within working premises of medical institutions. Based on the three-month study, the conclusion is that all infectious waste is being treated in accordance with the Ordinance on medical waste management (Official Gazette 50/15). Proper management of hazardous medical waste is of great importance not only in the area of waste management and environmental protection, but also for the protection of human health and the public health system.

Keywords

medical waste; medical waste management

Hrčak ID:

189152

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/189152

Publication date:

8.11.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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