The Proper Protocol for Packaging Paraffin Blocks

While it might be ideal to store tissue materials forever, there are often constraints in most laboratory settings, such as storage space, which prohibit this. The College of American Pathologists and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations recommend that tissue blocks be kept for a period of time that is appropriate for the patient’s care, including 10 years for paraffin blocks. When it is time to dispose of paraffin blocks, it is essential to package the waste according to the special handling requirements.

What Are Paraffin Block Waste Acceptance and Packaging Requirements?

Some states may consider paraffin block waste to be regulated medical waste (RMW), and WM’s Waste Acceptance Policy for Non-Incineration Services for Regulated Medical Waste and Sharps characterizes paraffin waste blocks as non-conforming waste. However, paraffin wax blocks with embedded tissue may be offered for incineration. This type of waste must be packaged for incineration according to specific packaging guidelines. Paraffin waste must be segregated into RMW containers, labeled to indicate that the contents include paraffin wax, and marked for incineration. The reason for these packaging requirements is that paraffin blocks with embedded tissue samples require special handling at WM’s incineration facilities.

Some additional guidelines you should know:

• It is the responsibility of those who generate the waste to package and label it appropriately.

• Improperly packaged or damaged containers will be denied pickup or returned to the generator.

• Any paraffin leftover from the equipment used to make the blocks should NOT be included in this waste stream because it typically contains xylene and should be disposed of as an ignitable hazardous waste.

• The total weight of regulated waste containers, inclusive of the box’s contents and the box itself, should not exceed 25 pounds.

• When packing the paraffin blocks, make sure to consult current state-specific regulations to ensure compliance, as they are subject to change.

What is the Proper Way to Prepare Paraffin Blocks for Pickup?

Follow the steps listed below to properly package paraffin blocks and prepare the waste for pickup:

1. Seal the bottom of the RMW container: Take the box and seal the bottom flaps with tape. For auto-locking boxes, fold the bottom flaps so they are locked in place.

2. Add a liner: Once your container is sealed, line it with a red biohazard bag and apply yellow or incineration-only barcode labels.

3. Place the paraffin blocks inside: With the liner in place, put the paraffin blocks into the red biohazard bag and place into the RMW container. Once the bagged paraffin blocks are in the container, weigh the container to ensure the total weight of the packaged box is no more than 25 pounds.

4. Seal the inner liner: After placing all the paraffin block samples within the red biohazard bag, tie the bag tightly to keep the contents inside.

5. Seal the top of the RMW container: With the bag tied, seal the top of the box with tape. For auto-locking boxes, fold the top flaps so they are locked in place.

6. Check RMW container markings: To be accepted for disposal, the container must have the appropriate federal biohazard markings, as well as any additional labels required by state and local regulations. Lastly, where available, apply the appropriate WM barcode label in line with our incineration segregation packaging requirements.

7. Plan the paraffin pickup: Once the container is sealed and marked appropriately, contact WM customer service to plan a pickup. On at least two sides of the box, apply a label that designates it contains “Paraffin Wax”. If you do not have paraffin labels, ask customer service to ensure your driver provides them for you upon pickup.

To ensure your organization is correctly packaging its paraffin blocks, consult an RMW management expert like WM.

This article is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts or circumstances.