We explain what RPBI or Hazardous Biological-infectious Waste are, what risk they represent, their regulation and various examples.
What does RPBI mean?
RPBI are the acronym that are given in Mexico to Hazardous Biological-Infectious Waste, that is, to those residual materials produced by medical and health care services, which may contain microorganisms, toxic substances and other elements harmful to the Health and capable of being transmitted to third parties.
These infectious agents can be of different types: bacteria, virus or parasites in a sufficient concentration to restart an infectious cycle in who, accidentally, is exposed to this type of waste, be it humans or animals.
Therefore, RPBIs are materials of risk public that require careful management, for which the authorities of Health they dictate very specific treatment measures. The body that regulates matters concerning RPBI is the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS).
RPBIs have the potential to trigger disease. They are generated by hospitals, medical-pathological research institutions, clinical laboratories, blood banks, psychiatric units and other similar facilities.
Depending on the amount of RPBI generated and its danger, these organizations must have a physical space to accumulate their waste and a strict temporary handling procedure in complete isolation from the public.
Examples of RPBI
Examples of RPBI are the following materials:
- Samples of liquid blood or its components, either in containers or absorbent materials soaked in it.
- Bacterial or viral cultures, as well as tissue samples or secretions from infected patients.
- Tissue samples organic, amputated organs or surgical biowaste.
- Sharp or pointed tools that have been in contact with a patient's body, such as needles, scalpels, etc.
- Stool, urine and other substances secreted by the body of patients.
- Used bioassay or medical supplies such as syringes, gauze pads, gloves, gowns, masks, or containers.