Washington Administrative Code
Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of
Chapter 296-823 - Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Section 296-823-14045 - Place specimens in an appropriate container
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) You must place specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) in an appropriate container that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping.
(2) You must make sure the container is properly labeled or color-coded and closed before being stored, transported, or shipped.
Exemption: |
1. When your facility handles all specimens using universal precautions or other equivalent infection control systems, you don't have to label/color-code specimens as long as the containers can be recognized as containing specimens. |
2.This exemption only applies while these specimens/ containers remain within the facility. Proper labeling or color-coding is required when specimens/containers leave the facility. |
Reference: |
Requirements for appropriate labels and color-coding are found in WAC 296-823-14025. |
Helpful tool:
Guidance on the handling and storage of criminal evidence
This tool contains information about the handling and storage of criminal evidence. Criminal evidence contaminated with blood or OPIM is considered a specimen under the scope of this chapter. You can find a copy of this tool in the resource section of this chapter.
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-09-110, § 296-823-14045, filed 4/22/03, effective 8/1/03.