As a result of the 2000 chemical inventory, the Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics, and Core Laboratories discarded over 200 containers of hazardous and other chemicals and reagents no longer used in the laboratories. Anatomic Pathology has replaced some xylene with Clear-Rite 3. Cytogenetics has replaced its xylene with Americlear, almost eliminating the use of xylene in that lab. Medium containing EB is disposed of with chemical hazard waste, while the non- contaminated medium is disinfected with hypochlorite bleach and poured down the sink. In Cytogenetics, EB contaminated pipette tips, as well as paper products exposed to chemical hazards, are disposed of separately, thereby reducing the volume of waste disposed of as hazardous.
Biological waste is segregated from routine waste.
Microbiological waste, including blood and body fluid specimens, is autoclaved prior to disposal in the landfill. Short-dated blood products are offered to area hospital transfusion services that may be able to use the products before expiration. Autologous blood products are frozen when surgery is unexpectedly postponed. Outdated blood products are used for research by departments in the Hospitals. Contaminated glass waste is separated from non-contaminated glass.