Under what condition are used laboratory glassware that contacted BDW considered BDW?

• A. Always BDW.
• B. Never BDW.
• C. If contaminated with infectious material, yes; otherwise general waste per policy.
• D. Only if the glassware is damaged.

Answer: (C)

BDW classification hinges on whether the glassware has been in contact with infectious materials. If used lab glassware has contacted BDW—such as blood, body fluids, cultures, or other infectious materials—it is considered BDW and must be treated and disposed accordingly. If there is no contamination with infectious material, it should be disposed as general waste according to the facility’s policy. Damaged alone doesn’t determine BDW status; the key factor is contamination with infectious material.