Common Types of Healthcare Biohazards

Craig Schreiner • March 30, 2022

The healthcare industry can only function effectively when patients and providers are safe and unexposed to any harmful substances that have the potential to harm or spread disease. However, by its very nature, healthcare produces large amounts of biohazard waste. According to the World Health Organization, 15 percent of waste produced in the healthcare industry is hazardous. As a result, it is exceptionally important in this industry to be prepared to contain biohazard contaminants, limit exposure, and clean or dispose of them properly, quickly, and safely.


Types of Biohazard Waste in Healthcare


Of all the biohazard waste produced in healthcare, most falls into one of the following four categories:


  • Sharp Objects – Sharp biohazard waste includes needles, syringes, and surgical tools such as scalpels. These items are associated with a high risk of injury and disease transmission as they often come into direct contact with blood.


  • Blood and Body Fluids – Blood and blood byproducts are of particular concern in a healthcare setting as exposure can lead to the development of serious diseases. However, there are also many other types of body fluids that can present danger in a medical setting, including urine, secretions, and saliva.


  • Pathological – Human tissue and body parts fall under the umbrella of pathological waste. This type of waste is most commonly seen in hospitals and surgical facilities.


  • Microbiological – Discarded cultures, culture dishes, and devices used in laboratory settings to transfer, test, or mix cultures, vaccines, and more are considered microbiological waste.



How Guarantee Restoration Can Help Eliminate Healthcare Biohazards


When a biohazard threat poses a risk to a facility, patients, and staff, professional cleanup is needed. OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) requires that all healthcare settings meet strict cleaning standards. Failure to meet these standards can result in fines, closure, and even litigation. Professional biohazard cleaning companies like Guarantee Restoration possess the expertise, certifications, and technology needed to ensure biohazards are fully contained and the impacted area cleaned and disinfected to the very highest standards. Among the biohazard situations our team can address are bodily fluids and blood, virus decontamination (COVID-19), and sewage sanitation.


To learn more about how Guarantee Restoration can help ensure the cleanliness and safety of your healthcare facility, give us a call at 1-800-349-HELP (4357) or email info@247grs.com. 

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