Optimizing Anesthesia-Related Waste Disposal in the Operating Room: A Brief Report. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hubbard, Richard M.; Hayanga, Jeremiah A.; Quinlan, Joseph J.; Soltez, Anita K.; Hayanga, Heather K.
• Is Part Of: Anesthesia & analgesia. Volume 125:Number 4(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Anesthesia; Anesthesiology; Analgesia; Analgesics; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000001932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2999

Abstract

Abstract : Misappropriation of noncontaminated waste into regulated medical waste (RMW) containers is a source of added expense to health care facilities. The operating room is a significant contributor to RMW waste production. This study sought to determine whether disposing of anesthesia-related waste in standard waste receptacles before patient entry into the operating room would produce a reduction in RMW. A median of 0.35 kg of waste was collected from 51 cases sampled, with a potential annual reduction of 13, 800 kg of RMW to the host institution, and a cost savings of $2200. Abstract : Published ahead of print April 21, 2017.