Botox, Dysport, and Medical Spa Injectables: Compliance Under Medical Waste Laws

Botox or Dysport, which are designed to treat lines and wrinkles, are most certainly considered medical waste.  Here’s why.

Medical spas blend medical technology with traditional spa-like services for those who seek a little bit more from their day of pampering.  A medical spa typically focuses on providing medical-grade treatments to correct a variety of skin conditions.  They are less about relaxation and more about providing lasting improvements to the skin.  Common therapies offered are injectable services, such as Botox or Dysport, which are designed to treat lines and wrinkles.  Because these services go above and beyond the standard massage, medical spas are held to medical waste disposal laws just as any other medical waste generator.

Botox: How It Works

Botox is typically administered by a plastic surgeon or aesthetic medicine practitioner. The solution is first diluted in saline and is then injected directly into the neuromuscular tissue.  In modern medicine, it is used to treat specific muscular conditions, but it was discovered to work as a cosmetic therapy as well.  As an aesthetic medicine, it smooths out wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles where it is injected.

Why Medical Waste Laws Apply

The “med” part of med spa of course refers to medical, and injections certainly fall under services that require skilled, licensed medical care.

Med spas are held to the same regulations as a medical practice: environments must be clean and sanitized, and  the medication, such as Botox or Dysport, must be secured and stored according to guidelines.

After a procedure is finished, med spas are required to dispose of used needles as any other sharp.

Med spas should establish means for the safe handling and disposal of sharps devices before the beginning of a procedure involving any kind of sharp instrument.  Discard sharps items and complete needle and syringe units directly into sharps box immediately after use, and place sharps boxes at eye level and within arm’s reach.  These are all steps to take as dictated by the FDA, which states:

• Used sharps can only be disposed of in a sharps container
• Sharps containers may be purchased from supply companies, such as Red Bags
• Sharps containers must be rigid, puncture-proof, and have lids that seal securely

The FDA also states that sharps containers must absolutely be discarded when reaching the fill line on the label, which is approximately ¾ full.

Incidents involving the unintentional injury of aestheticians with used needles or other sharp materials are the most important factor in the transmission of bloodborne viruses and other pathogens when it comes to Botox injections.  Ensure that your facility is up to date on the latest sharps disposal protocols and keep your staff and communities safe.

Remember, Botox and other medical spa injectables will also need to be disposed of properly under pharmaceutical waste protocols.

Want to learn more about compliance in the medical spa industry in regards to Botox and other injectables? Contact Red Bags to learn more about our medical spa waste services.

Want to learn more? Follow Red Bags’ blog to be up to date on the latest happenings in the medical waste industry.

You Might Also Like:

• Medical Spas: What OSHA, HIPAA, and Medical Waste Requirements Say
• Choosing the Right Sharps Containers for Your Facility
• How Long Can Sharps and Red Bags Be Stored in Patient Areas in the State of New York?

 

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