Which is the most appropriate disposal method for a swab used to culture your throat during a microbiology lab?

• A. Rinse the swab with water and reuse it
• B. Dispose of the swab in a regular trash bin
• C. Place the swab in a biohazard waste container
• D. Sterilize the swab with alcohol and keep it for future use

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that swabs used to culture human specimens, such as throat swabs, are considered biohazardous material because they may contain pathogenic microorganisms.
2. Recognize that reusing swabs or disposing of them in regular trash can pose a risk of contamination and spread of infectious agents.
3. Identify that proper disposal methods in microbiology labs require placing biohazardous waste, including used swabs, into designated biohazard waste containers to ensure safe handling and disposal.
4. Note that rinsing the swab with water or sterilizing it with alcohol for reuse is not appropriate because it may not guarantee complete elimination of pathogens and can compromise lab safety.
5. Conclude that the most appropriate and safe disposal method is to place the used swab in a biohazard waste container, following standard laboratory safety protocols.