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Nursing vocabulary · Infection Control

Clinical waste

Meaning in nursing, with examples

nounCommon term

In nursing, clinical waste means: Waste from healthcare that may be infectious or harmful, such as used dressings, blood-stained items, sharps and some medicines.

In Turkish: tıbbi atık, enfekte atık

How it is used

Clinical waste goes into colour-coded bags and bins, separate from general (domestic) waste and recycling. The colours differ between countries and hospitals, so new staff learn the local system during induction. In the US the usual terms are 'medical waste' or 'biohazard waste'.

Example sentences

  1. Blood-stained gauze goes in the clinical waste bin, not the general waste.

  2. The clinical waste bags need to be tied and labelled before they are collected.

Common collocations

  • clinical waste bin
  • clinical waste bag
  • dispose of clinical waste
  • clinical waste collection
  • sharps binA strong plastic container with a lid, often yellow, into which used needles, blades and other sharp items are put for safe disposal.
  • PPEShort for personal protective equipment: gloves, aprons, gowns, masks, eye protection and similar items worn to protect staff and patients from infection.
  • needlestick injuryAn accidental prick or cut of the skin with a used needle or another sharp object, which may expose the person to infections carried in the blood.
  • hand hygieneCleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub to remove germs and stop them spreading between patients.

More terms: Infection Control

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.