After an exposure incident, how should used cotton rounds be disposed of?

The disposal of used cotton rounds after an exposure incident requires careful consideration to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations. The correct answer involves placing the used cotton rounds in a plastic storage bag. This method helps contain any potentially contaminated materials and prevents them from coming into contact with others or causing a health risk.

Using a plastic bag allows for secure containment, so the contents do not leak or spill during handling. Once the bag is filled, it can be sealed properly before being disposed of in accordance with local regulations for biohazard waste management. This ensures that any potentially infectious materials are handled safely.

Other methods of disposal may not provide the same level of safety. For example, placing used cotton rounds in the regular trash could expose waste management workers to contaminants. Using a sharps container is appropriate only for items that can puncture or stab, such as needles or other sharp objects, making it an unsuitable choice for cotton rounds. Flushing them down the toilet is also not advisable, as it can lead to plumbing issues and does not effectively contain any hazardous materials.