| Department | Micro Laboratory | Document no | MICLAB 020 | ||
| Title | Destruction of Biological Waste in the Microbiology Laboratory | ||||
| Prepared by: | Date: | Supersedes: | |||
| Checked by: | Date: | Date Issued: | |||
| Approved by: | Date: | Review Date: | |||
Document Owner
Microbiology Laboratory Manager
Affected Parties
All Microbiology Laboratory colleagues
Purpose
To describe procedures for destroying all Laboratory Biological Waste to comply with Quarantine Regulations.
Scope
The procedures set out in this SOP are to be followed by all Microbiology Laboratory personnel.
Definition
| “Biological material” | Includes media (both dehydrated and commercially prepared); diagnostic kits, e.g. Staphylase Kit; LAL Reagents and live microorganisms. All tested products and their containers. Sterility Room waste (Rubbish). |
Related Documents
| MICLAB 060 | Micro Laboratory Procedure for Sterility Testing |
| MICLAB 080 | Bacterial Endo Toxin Testing (LAL) – Gel Clot Method |
EHS Statement
Safety gloves must be used when unloading the autoclave.
Procedure
1. Introduction
1.1. It is a real concern that animal or plant materials used in the production of biological products for use in Microbiology Laboratories may be infected or their products contaminated with viral, bacterial or other infectious material, which could cause harmful, exotic diseases.
1.2. Quarantine risks arise when materials prepared for in-vitro laboratory use are not treated or sourced so as to be free from animal or plant pathogens.
2. Disposal Methods
2.1. Materials poured down the sink into the Waste Water System
It may be permissible to dispose of minute amounts of biological material into the Metropolitan Waste Water System due to the reduction of the infective dose.
2.1.1. Materials
Media
LAL Test Solutions (MICLAB 080)
2.2. Biohazard Bin
Materials are to be collected in a Biohazard bag contained in a stainless steel holder. When full, this bag is to be left OPEN at the top and placed in its holder inside the Autoclave. Autoclave at 121°C for 40 minutes SLOW EXHAUST.
After sterilization the bag and its contents are to be disposed of in the “Filled Product Security Rejects” bin.
2.2.1. Materials
Any materials contaminated with live micro-organisms
Expired dehydrated media
Positive and Negative LAL Test Tubes
Aseptic media filled containers and sterility test canisters.
3. “Filled Product Security Rejects” bin
It is a common practice that Contract Disposal Company should provide the Filled Product Security bins. Materials disposed of in this manner, are to be incinerated by the Contract Disposal Company.
4. Summary of Changes:
| Version # | Revision History |
| MICLAB 020 |