ters.
Solidified fluid also adds significant
weight to red bag waste — filled contain-
ers can weigh between 7 pounds and 35
pounds — of which it costs between 20
cents and 50 cents per pound to dispose.
Compared to manual pouring, capping
and solidifying can more than triple the
weight of OR infectious waste. That's a
significant concern when you consider a
typical OR can generate about 2 tons of
fluid each month.
One final note about the use of solidify-
ing agents: Suction canisters coming out
of the OR can contain large whole blood
clots. Most gelling agents that claim treat-
ment of suction canister waste base their
efficacy on blood serum testing only, and many of those products are
not approved for the treatment of clots.
4. Direct to drain
Closed fluid waste disposal systems essentially remove all risk of fluid
exposure and risk of injury from moving filled suction canisters.
Mobile collection carts, which are wheeled into ORs where fluid-pro-
ducing cases are performed, attach directly to collection pouches on
the surgical drapes, floor-wicking devices and fluid-retaining mats
placed around the sterile field. The large-volume units have enough
capacity to handle fluid runoff during multiple cases. When they're
filled, a staff member wheels the easy-to-maneuver unit to a dedicated
docking station, which automatically suctions the fluid contents
4 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
• NO FUSS, NO MUSS Closed systems send
fluid directly to the drain, eliminating many of
the risks associated with the disposal process.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
