May 2024 LabCoP Waste Management Sub-CoP ECHO Session – Cartridge Waste Management in VL Testing: The Mouse in the Room


May 23, 2024

ASLM’s LabCoP, in conjunction with Cepheid, convened a Waste Management Sub-CoP ECHO session focusing on GeneXpert cartridge waste management at viral load (VL) testing laboratories. GeneXpert is one of the test devices widely used in multi-disease testing, with substantial placement in most laboratory networks in Africa. The success of extensive placement of this test device comes with the inevitable challenge of producing medical wastes, including spent cartridges in locations where in-house capacity for consistent, safe, reliable and final disposal may be lacking. During this session, presentations were made by Edward Krisiunas, President, Waste Not Want Not International and Rumbidzai Ndungwani, Public Health Programmes Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Cepheid. They share the latest information on a bulletin on GeneXpert products, review occupational and environmental risks considering the unique design and use of Xpert cartridges, review treatment options, and potential for holistic waste management with a focus on used cartridges. Please follow the links here to view the recorded ECHO session and download the presentation slides.