How to Discard Tissue During Surgical Procedures

Properly discarding tissue during a surgical procedure is vital to the safety of the staff and the patient. Tissue is considered pathological waste and after its disposal from the operating room it must be sterilized before it can be sent to a waste site. There is a significant possibility of transmission of infectious diseases if the tissue is simply thrown away in the garbage to decompose.

Things You'll Need

• Bio-hazard containers
• Bio-hazard bags
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Isolation Gown
• Sharps container

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as gloves, goggles and an isolation gown. Protect yourself from possible back splash from the pathological waste.

• 2

  Remove the tissue from the metal pans that they were placed within during the surgery. Pour all liquid and tissue directly into the bio-hazard liquid container and seal it securely.

• 3

  Remove any contaminated gauze used during the surgery and place it within the bio-hazard bags. Remove the protective adhesive strip and seal securely.

• 4

  Place all scalpel blades used in the surgery to remove the tissue and any needles into a sharps container.

• 5

  Send all bio hazard containers and bags to the sterilization department within the hospital to be either incinerated or auto-claved. States vary on regulations concerning the final disposal of pathological waste.