Which item is an example of infectious waste?

Which item is an example of infectious waste?

• A. A used needle
• B. A clean cloth
• C. A metal can
• D. A glass bottle

Answer: (A)

Infectious waste is any item that has come into contact with blood or bodily fluids and could spread infection. The used needle is the best example because it is a sharp item that may be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens and can injure someone if mishandled, creating a real risk of transmission. That is why it must be disposed of in a designated sharps container and handled with appropriate precautions.

A clean cloth, a metal can, and a glass bottle do not inherently carry infectious material. They can become infectious if visibly contaminated with bodily fluids, but in their clean state they’re not classified as infectious waste. The key idea is whether the item is contaminated and poses a risk of transmitting infection, which is most clearly demonstrated by a used needle.