'Going green' in the lab.

Current data suggests that only 12% of life-science plastics are recycled, and it has been determined that environmental sustainability programs in the lab save money and time, and create a safer and healthier environment for patients and staff. Start "going green" in the lab by beginning with the "three Rs" of saving the environment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Look for laboratory products that are less toxic; recyclable, minimally polluting; more energy efficient; safer for patients and staff; have high recycle content; and use less packaging

1 Reduce energy use: If you are in the market for new equipment, choose energy efficient products. When it comes to analyzers, a few manufacturers and distributors already know their customers' want to "go green." Replace old refrigerators and freezers with energy efficient models. Regulate workspace temperatures to eliminate space heaters and fans.

2 Reduce waste: Utilize reusable sharps containers for disposing of medical supplies and waste. Reusable sharps containers are sterilized at high temperatures and pressure in autoclaves that renders any potentially hazardous or infectious waste inert.

3 Reuse: Many "green" ideas may not be new, such as reusing various types of packaging products or giving new life to products that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Reuse sterilized or cleaned specimen shipping containers. Use the company Intranet or bulletin board to post surplus supplies and equipment for internal redeployment, or donate items to volunteer organizations.

4. Reduce waste: Many labs are dumping out reagent because it degenerated or expired before they could use it all. Do an assessment of usage, and ask the vendor if he provides packs that would accommodate your test volume. Review all lab purchases and buy in bulk when possible, and use companies that reduce shipping materials.

5 Reuse: Evidence shows that, if done properly, the washable cuvette system is reliable, effective, and cost efficient. Another benefit is the reduction of space for storing all of the disposable cuvettes. Reusable cuvette analyzers, however, usually require more water to clean the cuvettes. Have the distributor demonstrate how the cuvettes are cleaned and checked before they are used again.

6 Recycle: Nothing with chemical or biowaste can be recycled, but think about other plastics used in the lab, such as the empty polypropylene tip racks and lids. Several companies are producing racks that use less plastic and recyclable products.

A few companies have even started a recycling program that includes pick-up of empty polypropylene tip racks and lids to be recycled and made into new plastic products.

Recycle drink cans, plastic, glass bottles, paper, and cardboard. Employees should be educated about proper recycling procedures. Be sure all recycling bins are clearly marked and located in an accessible area.

7 Recycle: These days, because of HIPAA, most paper lab reports with patient information are shredded, but the shred can usually be recycled. Consider using a document destruction service that specializes in destroying confidential documents. Most companies recycle 100% of the shredded documents, and have a variety of services available, from secured containers coupled with scheduled on-site shredding services to off-site shredding with a certificate of destruction.

Tim "The Lab Guy" Dumas is a clinical laboratory scientist, manager, and consultant, and an accredited speaker through the National Speakers Association. He operates Tim Dumas Laboratory Consulting.

Visit www.timdumas.com or for information on his workshops, visit www.advancepoc.com.

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Individual barrier tip reload inserts, hinged racks

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By Tim Dumas, The Lab Guy