Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-1 – Smallpox

Biohazard Waste Disposable items removed from the patient's room should be considered biohazard waste. Waste receptacles should be lined with red biohazard bags. When removed from the room, biohazard waste should be placed in a second red bag and secured. Biohazard waste should be removed in a covered cart to a designated biohazard-waste holding area. Infection control practitioners should consult with the contracted waste hauler service for special instructions, if any, on transporting biohazard waste. As an alternative, biohazard waste can be autoclaved and removed as non-biohazard waste. Deceased Patient Place the deceased patient in a leak-proof body bag and transfer to the facility morgue. The body should not be embalmed. If an autopsy is requested, the California Department of Health Services should be notified.

6