Impact of medical waste bin on contamination of patient's environment: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND

Medical waste bins are a potential source of microbial contamination in the hospital environment, while there is no clear guidance for the management of them. We aimed to assess the impact of medical waste bins on patient's environment.

METHODS

This experimental study simulated microbial contamination by performing medical procedures on a patient model with fluorescent lotion. The waste bin was set as initially empty or two-thirds filled with waste, open or with a lid. The percentage of fluorescent-contaminated area in designated patient's environments was analyzed by 2 independent observers.

RESULTS

Among a total of 120 experiments, the sides of the bins were more contaminated in open-occupied bins compared to open-empty bins and in open-occupied bins compared to lid-occupied bins (median 1.9175% vs 0.0916% [P = .001] and 1.9175% vs 0.0899% [P = .003], respectively). The top of the bedside equipment trolley for preparing medical procedures was more contaminated in lid-occupied bins than open-occupied bins (median 0.0080% vs 0.0040%, P = .013).

DISCUSSION

In addition to reducing contamination of the bin itself, the manually operated lid had a potential risk of contributing to microbial transmission by contaminating the equipment trolley.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical waste bins should be kept no more than two-thirds full, and caution should be taken when using the manually operated lid, to avoid cross-contamination.