08/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2024 07:58
August 19, 2024
While it might be ideal to store tissue materials forever, there are often constraints in most laboratory settings, such as storage space, which prohibit this. The College of American Pathologists and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations recommend that tissue blocks be kept for a period of time that is appropriate for the patient's care, including 10 years for paraffin blocks. When it is time to dispose of paraffin blocks, it is essential to package the waste according to the special handling requirements.
What Are Paraffin Block Waste Acceptance and Packaging Requirements?
Some states may consider paraffin block waste to be regulated medical waste (RMW), and Stericycle's Waste Acceptance Policy for Non-Incineration Services for Regulated Medical Waste and Sharps characterizes paraffin waste blocks as non-conforming waste. However, paraffin wax blocks with embedded tissue may be offered for incineration. This type of waste must be packaged for incineration according to specific packaging guidelines. Paraffin waste must be segregated into RMW containers, labeled to indicate that the contents include paraffin wax, and marked for incineration. The reason for these packaging requirements is that paraffin blocks with embedded tissue samples require special handling at Stericycle's incineration facilities.
Some additional guidelines you should know:
Follow the steps listed below to properly package paraffin blocks and prepare the waste for pickup:
To ensure your organization is correctly packaging its paraffin blocks, consult an RMW management expert like Stericycle.
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