Which statement about biomedical waste is true?

• A. It includes absorbent materials saturated with blood, blood products, body fluids, excretions or secretions with visible blood
• B. It excludes any materials contaminated with blood
• C. It includes only liquids
• D. It is not regulated by government agencies

Answer: (A)

Biomedical waste includes materials that are contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials, and must be treated and disposed of under regulated procedures. The statement is true because absorbent materials saturated with blood, blood products, and body fluids or secretions that contain visible blood are exactly the types of items that are considered regulated waste. These wastes aren’t limited to liquids; solids that have been contaminated also fall under this category. And such waste is governed by government regulations to protect workers and the public, so saying it is not regulated is incorrect.