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/ Pathological Waste
Definitions
What is Pathological Waste?
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Pathological waste (sometimes known as as anatomical waste) refers to the waste disposal of any human or animal body parts. This can include organs, tissues, surgical specimens and bodily fluids removed during surgery or autopsy. All pathological waste must be properly disposed of in an approved and correctly labelled pathological waste container.
Treatment
How is Pathological Waste Treated?
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Pathological waste differs from most medical waste in that it has a higher moisture content. Human anatomical waste is 70 to 90 percent water. Most pathological waste is incinerated but it does depend on the type of waste generated and the state guidelines within the state in which the waste was generated.
Waste Categorization
What wastes are generated in a pathology lab?
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Every pathology lab is going to offer slightly different services, so there isn’t one coverall answer for the types of waste generated in such a lab. That being said, be aware that the following waste types might apply to your facility:
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Biohazardous material (including needles and other sharps).
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Pathological waste (tissue samples).
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Hazardous waste (flammable solvents used in testing procedures).
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Lab pack waste (less common but possible).
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