How is fluid medical waste “solidified” for red bag disposal?
Fluid medical waste solidifiers are represented by well established technologies which include fine particulate polymer absorbents and granular gelatins which initiate a bulk phase change in the liquid waste to a solid gelatinous mass. These solidifiers are poured directly into the collection canister employing a volume-to-volume ratio and residence time determined by the manufacturer. The solidified waste/canister is then placed in a red bag for disposal. Solidifiers do not treat the infectious or potentially infectious hazard of liquid medical waste; unless they are combined with a disinfectant such as chlorine or gluteraldhyde to “sanitize” the solidified waste. State regulations determine whether the “sanitized” solidified waste must still be classified as a biohazard.
