According to BMWM, in which color bag is a used needle discarded?

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

Used needles are classified as 'sharps' under the Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) rules.
Sharps waste must be segregated at the point of generation to prevent injury and infection.
The designated container for sharps is a white, translucent, puncture-proof, leak-proof, and tamper-proof container.
This specific container design is crucial for preventing accidental needle-stick injuries to healthcare workers, sanitation staff, and the community.

Option A: The black bag is used for general, non-infectious waste, which poses no biological, chemical, or physical hazard. A used needle is highly infectious and a sharp hazard.
Option B: The yellow bag is for infectious and anatomical waste, such as human tissues, organs, soiled dressings, and expired medicines. While a needle is infectious, its primary hazard is being a sharp, which requires a puncture-proof container.
Option C: The red bag is for contaminated, recyclable plastic waste. Placing a needle in a red bag poses a high risk of puncturing the bag and injuring waste handlers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color coding for sharps disposal as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct segregation of sharps is a fundamental and non-negotiable safety practice in all healthcare settings to protect staff and the public from accidental injuries.
Needle-stick injuries are a major occupational hazard, carrying a significant risk of transmitting serious blood-borne infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).
What if? If a standard white sharps container is full, a nurse must not force the needle in or leave it on top. The correct action is to lock the full container, remove it from use, and acquire a new, empty one. Needles should never be discarded in any other bin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'BMWM' (Biomedical Waste Management) and 'used needle'.
Recognize that a 'used needle' is classified as a 'sharp' waste due to its potential to cause puncture injuries.
Recall the specific color-coding system for different categories of biomedical waste.
Mentally match the waste type ('sharp') with its designated container. Sharps require a rigid, puncture-proof container to prevent injuries.
Remember that the color code for sharps containers is white (translucent).
Select the option that corresponds to the correct color for sharps disposal.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color coding for sharps disposal.
Stem keywords: BMWM, used needle, discarded, color bag
Lead-in keywords: in which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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