Biological Waste Generated in Laboratories in the Faculty of Medicine at a University Institution

  • Yadira Sirit Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
  • Janet Matos School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
  • Amelia Panunzio School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
  • Milagros Nuñez School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
  • Monika Bellorín Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Keywords: Biological waste, management, laboratories, university institutions

Abstract

In order to determine the management of biological waste generated in teaching and research laboratories in the Faculty of Medicine, a two phase, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out; the first study was to determine number, type and distribution of the laboratories; and the second consisted in the elaboration and application of an instrument to collect information concerning management of biological waste, according to what is established in the Venezuelan National Decree No. 2218-92. Of the total sample of 43 laboratories, 81.4% responded, 71,4% of which generate biological waste, with a higher prevalence of types B and C, followed by type D (44%). Of these the more frequent sources were blood (64%), serum (32%) and urine (28%). The harvesting and primary storage most utilized was type 1 (44%). There does not appear to be uniformity in the frequency of internal transport. In 56% of the laboratories modality of processing before final disposition is not implemented. This research revealed that laboratories in university faculties generated biological waste that can cause adverse effects on health and the environment if corrective measures are not employed in their management, and for this reason it is necessary to implement a biological waste management system.

Author Biographies

Yadira Sirit, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Doctora en ciencia Médicas; Magister en Salud Ocupacional.
Janet Matos, School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Magíster en Salud Ocupacional
Amelia Panunzio, School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Magíster en Salud Ocupacional
Milagros Nuñez, School of Bioanalysis. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Magíster en Salud Ocupacional
Monika Bellorín, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene. Faculty of Medicine. University of Zulia.
Doctora en ciencia Médicas; Magister en Salud Ocupacional
Published
2005-06-04
How to Cite
1.
Sirit Y, Matos J, Panunzio A, Nuñez M, Bellorín M. Biological Waste Generated in Laboratories in the Faculty of Medicine at a University Institution. Kasmera [Internet]. 2005Jun.4 [cited 2025Apr.20];33(1):27-5. Available from: https://produccioncientificaluz.org./index.php/kasmera/article/view/4748
Section
Original Articles