Clinical waste
Segregating, storing and disposing of the waste phlebotomy produces.
Duty of care
Anyone who produces waste has a legal duty of care for it until it is disposed of properly. For clinical waste, that means correct segregation, secure storage and a licensed carrier.
Segregation
Sharps go in sharps containers. Blood-contaminated items such as swabs and gloves are clinical waste. Uncontaminated packaging is general waste. Follow the colour coding your waste contractor and national guidance use.
Storage and transport
Store waste securely away from the public, and carry it in your vehicle in a way that prevents spills.
Paperwork
Keep the transfer or consignment notes for each collection. Check official guidance for how long to keep them and whether you need to register as a waste producer.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ between the UK nations and change over time; check official guidance or take advice for your situation.
Related topics
Infection prevention and control
Hand hygiene, PPE, skin preparation and cleaning equipment in phlebotomy.
Sharps
Using, containing and disposing of sharps safely.
Temperature control for samples
Keeping blood samples within the laboratory’s temperature and time requirements.
Consent
Valid consent for blood collection, and what to do when a patient may lack capacity.
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only
Lola Dispatch offers mobile blood draw jobs to approved phlebotomists. We add phlebotomists by invitation.
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