Which item is infectious waste?

• A. A clean gown
• B. Blood-soiled dressings
• C. Unused gloves
• D. Paper towels from the office

Answer: (B)

Infectious waste is waste contaminated with blood or other body fluids that can harbor pathogens. Blood-soiled dressings fit this because the dressing is contaminated with blood, which may carry infectious agents; they should be placed in a leak-proof, sealed biohazard container or red bag and handled per facility protocol to prevent exposure and spread. A clean gown, unused gloves, and ordinary office paper towels are not infectious waste when they are clean and uncontaminated; they would only be treated as infectious if they had been contaminated with blood or body fluids.