directly into the sewer.
After discharge of the infectious liquids into the sanitary sewer, one
system automatically cleans and disinfects the inside of the mobile
carts with an enzymatic cleaner, surfactants and a U.S. EPA-approved
disinfectant. After the cleaning and disinfection process, you can safe-
ly open the system, remove the fluid collection reservoirs for reuse
and dispose of the system's disposable manifolds as general waste,
which helps reduce red bag disposable expenses. The disinfecting
cycle also ensures the reservoirs are clean and free of microbial
pathogens before you wheel the system back to the next OR.
Wall-mounted disposal systems offer a more affordable option that
eliminates risk of exposure to splashing and aerosolized fluid parti-
cles. You'll also avoid the added expenses of solidifying gel and dis-
posing of solidified fluid in red bag waste.
Improve overall safety
Healthcare facilities are the second-leading contributor of waste in the
United States, generating 6,600 tons of waste daily and more than 4 bil-
lion pounds of waste per year. And the OR is one of the largest produc-
ers of waste in healthcare facilities, accounting for 20% to 30% of total
waste. Your staff is responsible for the proper handling of fluid waste
from the point of origin. You're responsible for ensuring they can do it
safely. Integrated waste management systems can limit exposure risks
during the collection and disposal of infectious fluid. Adding one or
more to your facility will give you peace of mind in knowing you're
protecting your staff from harm, and your team will recognize and
appreciate the investment you make in their well-being.
OSM
M A Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 9
Ms. Dennis (vangie.dennis@wellstar.org), the executive director of periopera-
tive services at WellStar Atlanta (Ga.) Medical Center, is a member of the AORN
Board of Directors.
