Trace wastes include which of the following items?

• A. Food waste
• B. Needles, empty vials and syringes, gloves, gowns, and tubing
• C. Paper towels
• D. Glass bottles

Answer: (B)

Trace waste consists of items that have come into contact with blood or body fluids during patient care and still pose a potential exposure risk, even if they aren’t heavily contaminated. These items require disposal in biohazard containers and careful handling to protect staff. The types of items that fit this category include disposable PPE like gloves and gowns, tubing, and small contaminated items such as needles, empty vials, and syringes. They may not look heavily soiled, but they can carry infectious material, so they’re treated with caution. Food waste, paper towels, and glass bottles are not considered trace waste in this context, as they typically don’t involve contact with blood or body fluids in a way that requires the same level of disposal precautions.