Once used, diabetic supplies contaminated with blood are considered biomedical waste and be disposed of in a manner that’s appropriate and approved. Individuals must dispose of their test strips in the same manner as their lancets and syringes, often in a sharps container.
Sharps containers can be purchased at many pharmacies and medical supply outlets, but they can be costly. Cost depends on the size, quality, and model selected. It’s a long-term, ongoing expense. They can be purchased for as little as $6 to as much as $47. Some are clearly marked FDA-approved, while others are not, even though they’re safe to use.
However, a sharps container isn’t always absolutely necessary. The Florida Health Department allows for another method of disposal. Individuals can place their lancets, syringes and test strips in a metal or heavy plastic container, such as a laundry detergent, fabric softener or color safe bleach jug. It can then be placed in the trash.
The container’s top should be secured shut with heavy duty tape when full. The words “medical waste” should be clearly written in marker on the outside of the jug. It’s important for individuals to check with their waste disposal provider to ensure the company permits that type of disposal. Even though the Dept. of Health allows it, some companies won’t accept jugs or sharps containers.
Many counties and health departments have created drop off programs and sites where individuals can leave their sharps containers or laundry jugs for disposal. People may also find the same type of drop off initiatives at clinics, hospitals, medical waste facilities, and pharmacies.
It’s important that diabetic supplies that have come into contact with blood be disposed of properly. The blood itself isn’t dangerous, it’s the potential pathogens that may be contained within the blood that pose a problem, even if individuals aren’t aware of them.
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