Microbiological Assessment of Waste Bins Regarding Medical Waste Management in Health Care Institutions

Abstract

The management of medical waste is of great importance due to its potential environmental hazards and public health risks because improper disposal of medical waste may pose a significant threat to human and environmental health. In this study, it was aimed to carry out bacteriologic analyses of disinfected medical waste bins used in health institutions. 571 samples taken from disinfected medical waste bins were grown in sheep blood agar, EMB agar and Chrome orientation medium and reproduction results were evaluated. Reproduction was observed in 502 samples out of 571 and the reproducing bacteria were E. faecalis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, Proteus and S. Saprophyticus. Considering reproduction results of samples taken from medical waste bins, it becomes necessary to pay more attention to disinfection procedures and conform to standard infection prevention measures.

Keywords

• Medical waste
• Disinfection
• Bacteria
• Medical waste management
• Health institutions