After removal of NG tube it can be discarded in which colour of bag?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

An NG tube is a form of contaminated plastic tubing used in patient care.
According to the Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016, all contaminated recyclable wastes, such as plastic tubing, catheters, IV sets, and gloves, must be segregated into a red-colored bag.
The purpose of this segregation is to channel these items for sterilization (like autoclaving) and then recycling, which minimizes environmental harm and prevents the spread of infection.

Option B: The yellow bag is designated for anatomical waste (e.g., human tissues, organs), soiled waste (e.g., dressings saturated with blood), expired medications, and chemical waste. An NG tube is a plastic item, not anatomical or chemical waste.
Option C: The black bag is used for general, non-biohazardous waste, which is equivalent to municipal or household waste (e.g., food wrappers, paper, fruit peels). An NG tube is contaminated with bodily fluids and is considered infectious waste.
Option D: The blue bag or box is specifically for broken or discarded glassware (like medicine vials and ampoules) and metallic body implants. An NG tube is made of flexible plastic, not glass or metal.

Visual 1: Infographic: A chart illustrating the Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016. It should clearly show the four main color-coded bins (Red, Yellow, White, Blue) with icons and lists of the specific types of waste that belong in each, such as tubing in red and sharps in white.

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 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper waste segregation at the point of generation is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections and protect healthcare workers, patients, and the community.
Incorrect disposal can lead to environmental pollution and pose a significant public health risk, including the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B through accidental contact with contaminated items.
What if? If the NG tube was from a patient in an isolation room for a highly infectious disease (e.g., COVID-19), the disposal protocol remains the same (Red bag), but the importance of using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during removal and handling is magnified to prevent transmission.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the item to be discarded: a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Next, classify the item based on its material and contamination status. An NG tube is made of plastic and is considered contaminated with bodily fluids after use.
Recall the Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color-coding rules for different types of medical waste.
Match the item's classification (contaminated recyclable plastic) to the correct color code. The red bag is designated for such items.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their designated waste types: Yellow for anatomical/soiled waste, Blue for glass, and Black for general waste.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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