New York Tattoo License Practice Test

What should be done with items saturated with blood before disposal?

1. Placed in regular trash

2. Segregated and packaged as regulated infectious waste

3. Burned on-site

4. Flushed down the toilet

The correct answer is: Segregated and packaged as regulated infectious waste

Items that are saturated with blood must be segregated and packaged as regulated infectious waste because they pose a significant risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens, including viruses and bacteria that can lead to serious infections. Proper disposal procedures are mandated by health regulations to ensure public safety and prevent contamination. When items are identified as infectious waste, they need to be collected in a manner that complies with local health department guidelines, which often require using color-coded bags or clearly labeled containers designated for biohazardous materials. This practice not only protects waste handlers and sanitation workers, but also prevents potential environmental contamination that can occur if such items are improperly disposed of with regular trash. Burning waste on-site or flushing it down the toilet are both procedures that are typically not permissible due to environmental concerns and the potential for public health hazards. Regular trash disposal lacks the necessary protocols to handle materials that can be hazardous, and thus they cannot be treated like ordinary waste.