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Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 7, 2012 5:41:56 PM EDT
Author: Ernest Lippert 		Next by Date:
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 7, 2012 8:31:45 PM EDT
Author: "Jeskie, Kimberly B."

From: astridtucker**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 7, 2012 7:31:23 PM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <9BD19E74-2E3D-42EC-ADE3-7C8049E5A37B**At_Symbol_Here**MY.APSU.EDU>

Hi Blanca,

It generally depends if the specimen you are working on is classified as hazardous waste.
A few abbreviated and summarized regulatory definitions of Hazardous Waste:
"DOT definition of Hazardous Material: A substance or material which is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and which has been so designated..."
"RCRA definition of Hazardous Waste: a solid waste, or waste combined with solids, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to increase in mortality, serious illness, or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment...."
If there is any doubt whatsoever if the waste falls under the hazardous classification it is always better to err on the safe side.
Astrid Tucker
B.S. Environmental Management
Pre-Med Student


-----Original Message----- From: Martinez, Blanca A.
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2012 2:00 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information

Hello,
As a student finishing my clinical rotation as a medical laboratory scientist, I have received conflicting information regarding the proper disposal of gram stain - Crystal Violet, Gram's Iodine (mordant), Alcohol/Acetone (gen. isopropanol decolourize), and safranin. Some say proper disposal when staining human specimens is sufficient with water flushing down the drain versus collection into a carboy. Since I am still a student in the field, I do not question what is told to me however, I would like to know proper daily disposal. When looking at various MSDS for these chemicals it usually states to follow federal/state/local regulations for empty bottles/excess remainder however, daily disposal seems awfully vague. Can anyone please shed some light on the matter.

Thank you in advance,
Blanca Martinez


Sent from my iPhone

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