CVS module 500147 (Pharmacy Hazardous Waste Training) I have been stuck on this one question for days. please help.
Which of the following must be placed in a Stericycle bag before putting in the hazardous waste tote? Select all that apply:
Expired amber vials
Reconstituted Zostavax vials
Materials used to clean contaminated compounding equipment/utensils
None of the Above
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers are:
- Expired amber vials
- Reconstituted Zostavax vials
- Materials used to clean contaminated compounding equipment/utensils
Explanation:
Hazardous pharmaceutical waste management is an important aspect of pharmacy practice, particularly for protecting the environment and complying with legal and safety standards. CVS uses Stericycle hazardous waste bags for specific items classified as hazardous waste before placing them in a hazardous waste tote. Here’s a breakdown of each item mentioned:
- Expired amber vials:
Amber vials typically hold medications, and if these medications are expired, they are classified as pharmaceutical waste. Any residue of medication inside the vial may qualify as hazardous. Placing these vials in a Stericycle bag ensures they are properly managed and safely disposed of. - Reconstituted Zostavax vials:
Zostavax is a live vaccine and is considered hazardous when expired or no longer usable. Reconstituted vials may contain live viruses, requiring disposal in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Placing these vials in a Stericycle bag before the hazardous waste tote minimizes exposure and contamination risks. - Materials used to clean contaminated compounding equipment/utensils:
Cleaning materials used in compounding pharmaceutical preparations may absorb hazardous drugs, making them potentially harmful. These materials need to be treated as hazardous waste to prevent contamination or environmental harm.
Importance of Stericycle Bags:
Stericycle bags serve as an intermediary containment system to protect personnel and prevent hazardous substances from spilling or leaking into the environment. They ensure compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and OSHA standards.
“None of the Above” is incorrect because each of the specified items can pose a hazardous risk and requires special handling under CVS’s hazardous waste management protocols. Always double-check policies and consult the CVS Hazardous Waste Management Guide to ensure compliance.