Biohazardous agent refers to an agent that is biological in nature, capable of self-replication, and has the capacity to produce deleterious effects upon biological organisms. Biohazardous agents include, but are not limited to; bacteria, fungi, viruses, rickettsiae, chlamydia, prion, parasites, recombinant products, allergens, cultured human and animal cells and the potentially biohazardous agents these cells may contain, infected clinical specimens, tissue from experimental animals, plant viruses, bacteria and fungi, toxins, and other biohazardous agents as defined by State and Federal regulations.

Biological waste is any material that contains or has been contaminated by a biohazardous agent. Biological waste includes, but is not limited to; Petri dishes, surgical wraps, culture tubes, syringes, needles, blood vials, absorbent material, personal protective equipment and pipette tips.

Sharps are items that are capable of puncturing, cutting or abrading the skin. Sharps include, but are not limited to; glass and plastic pipettes, broken glass, test tubes, razor blades, syringes, and needles.