11 January 2024
Insight into different methods of treating hospital waste to ensure safety and hygiene in healthcare facilities
Proper management of hospital waste is of paramount importance to ensure safety and hygiene in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Two of the most common methodologies for treating hospital waste are sterilization and disinfection.
With this article, we at Newster will explore the differences between these two processes.
Definition of sterilization and disinfection of medical waste
Sterilization and disinfection are two distinct but related concepts in hospital waste treatment. Sterilization is the process of breaking down the microbial load so as to ensure a sterility level of not less than 10-6. This process is essential to completely eliminate pathogenic microorganisms in medical waste.
On the other hand, disinfection is the process of reducing or removing pathogenic microorganisms in order to minimize the potential for disease transmission. Disinfection does not guarantee a complete level of sterility, but it significantly reduces the bacterial load in waste.
Sterilization of hospital waste
Sterilization of hospital waste can be carried out using several methods. Some of the most common methods include autoclaving and shredding followed by drying. Autoclaving is equipment that uses high-pressure moist heat to sterilize hospital waste.
On the other hand, shredding followed by drying is a process that sterilizes and reduces the volume and weight of waste, making it easier to manage.
Sterilization of hospital waste has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include complete elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, reduced risk of nosocomial infections, and compliance with safety and hygiene regulations. However, sterilization may require specialized and expensive equipment.
Disinfection of hospital waste
Disinfection of hospital waste can be done using chemicals or microwaves. Chemicals can be used to partially reduce the bacterial load in hospital waste. Microwaves, on the other hand, can be used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms in waste.
Disinfection of hospital waste has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include reduction of bacterial load, minimization of the potential for disease transmission, and ease of use of chemicals or microwaves. However, disinfection does not guarantee a complete level of sterility and may require odor control systems to manage the side effects of the process.
Conclusions and Newster's role in health care.
Proper management of medical waste is essential to ensure safety and hygiene in health care facilities. Therefore, the choice between sterilization and disinfection of hospital waste depends on the specific needs of the facility itself.
In this case, we at Newster have become an international benchmark for providing facilities for the safe management of solid waste, wastewater and infectious liquids.
Among all our products, we cannot fail to mention hospital solid waste sterilization plants. These plants are designed to shred and sterilize by heat high risk infectious waste. The end result of this treatment is a sterile waste, finely ground and suitable for disposal as normal undifferentiated waste.
Contact us now for more information and discover all our innovative solutions for healthcare facilities!
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