Raj. CHO -2020
Applied Microbiology & Infection control
Easy

According to Bio Medical Waste Rules, in which bag is the placenta discarded?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2020

Explanation

  • The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, categorize waste to ensure safe handling and disposal.
  • Placenta is classified as 'Human Anatomical Waste' (Category: Yellow).
  • This category includes human tissues, organs, and body parts.
  • Waste in the yellow category is collected in yellow-colored, non-chlorinated plastic bags.
  • The prescribed method for final disposal of yellow category waste is high-temperature incineration or deep burial to ensure complete destruction of pathogens.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: The Red bag is designated for contaminated but recyclable plastic waste.
  • Option C: The Black bag is used for general, non-biomedical waste, similar to household trash.
  • Option D: The Blue bag (or box) is reserved for contaminated glassware and metallic implants.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Infographic - A clear chart showing the four main color-coded bins (Yellow, Red, Blue, White/Translucent) with images of the specific types of waste that belong in each. This provides a quick visual reference for waste segregation.
  • Visual 2: Flowchart - A diagram illustrating the 'journey' of biomedical waste from the point of generation (e.g., delivery room) through segregation, collection, storage, transport, and final disposal (incineration for a placenta). This helps in understanding the entire process.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Proper segregation of biomedical waste is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections and protect healthcare workers, patients, and the community from infectious hazards.
  • Incorrect disposal, such as placing a placenta in a red bag, can lead to contamination of recyclable materials and pose a significant risk to waste handlers.
  • What if? - If a sharp object like a needle is accidentally discarded in a yellow or red bag instead of the white puncture-proof container, it creates a high risk of needlestick injury and potential transmission of blood-borne pathogens like HIV or Hepatitis B/C to sanitation staff. This highlights the absolute importance of sharp safety.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the type of waste mentioned in the question. The question asks about the disposal of a 'placenta'.
  • Recall the classification of biomedical waste. A placenta is 'Human Anatomical Waste'.
  • Next, recall the color-coding system mandated by the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules.
  • Match the type of waste (Human Anatomical Waste) to its designated color-coded bag.
  • The rules specify that all human anatomical waste must be placed in a Yellow bag.
  • Select the option that correctly links the waste type to the bag color.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Biomedical Waste Management
  • Stem keywords: Bio Medical Waste Rules, placenta, discarded, bag
  • Lead-in keywords: in which

Question ID

Qif0ZlkLVmpdCpxYB-Q39v

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