Hazardous materials management and control in clinical laboratories of small hospitals

Rising fears of health hazards associated with exposure to chemical and biological wastes have focused attention on controlling clinical laboratory wastes. Governmental regulation of management and disposal practices has created special concerns for small clinical laboratories. Responses to a questionnaire sent to managers of clinical laboratories in small hospitals are reported. These responses indicate concern about maintaining compliance with government regulations that affect managing hazardous materials. Laboratory managers consider these regulations as necessary but have difficulty keeping abreast of constant changes. They also view the rising costs related to these regulations as a major problem for future laboratory operations.