Desarrollo prototipo de tapadera para contenedor de residuos punzocortantes mediante impresión 3D
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Date
2026-04-05
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Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana UNITEC
Abstract
La mala gestión en los hospitales en cuanto a la falta de recipientes adecuados, protocolos y capacitación para el manejo de desechos punzocortantes es causante de diversas heridas ocasionadas en los establecimientos, lo que conlleva riesgos graves para el personal médico, los pacientes y el medio ambiente. La falta de un manejo adecuado aumenta el riesgo de infecciones para el personal sanitario y los pacientes, así como la contaminación ambiental si los desechos terminan en lugares inapropiados.Debido a las diversas lesiones producidas por los residuos punzocortantes en el personal de salud y la necesidad de disminuir los riesgos asociados, la investigación se centra en recolectar datos cualitativos sobre las necesidades de los centros de salud mediante encuestas y entrevistas, así como sobre la gestión actual de estos residuos en los establecimientos participantes. Además, se diseñó un modelo en SolidWorks para satisfacer dichas necesidades. Se observó que el personal no utiliza los contenedores adecuados, lo que plantea preocupaciones de seguridad.Se desarrolló un prototipo de tapadera para recipientes de residuos punzocortantes mediante tecnología de impresión 3D utilizando material PETG, considerando los insumos disponibles en organizaciones de salud. Asimismo, se recopilaron datos cuantitativos sobre dos centros afectados y los costos asociados, adoptando un enfoque mixto.El prototipo se desarrolló con PETG por su resistencia y facilidad de impresión. Para garantizar su correcto funcionamiento, se realizaron simulaciones de flexión y fuerza en SolidWorks, las cuales indicaron que el dispositivo puede soportar fuerzas habituales y es lo suficientemente resistente para el uso previsto.Aunque el prototipo no resultó ser el más económico, se adapta a los recursos disponibles en hospitales y fue bien recibido por el personal de salud según las entrevistas de seguimiento, demostrando ser una solución viable para abordar la problemática de la gestión de residuos punzocortantes en centros de salud.
Poor management in hospitals, particularly the lack of adequate containers, protocols, and training for the handling of sharps waste, is a major cause of various injuries within healthcare facilities, leading to serious risks for medical personnel, patients, and the environment. Inadequate handling increases the risk of infections for healthcare personnel and patients, as well as environmental contamination if waste is disposed of in inappropriate locations.Due to the injuries caused by sharps waste among healthcare personnel and the need to reduce associated risks, this research focuses on collecting qualitative data on the needs of healthcare facilities through surveys and interviews, as well as on the current management of these wastes in participating institutions. Additionally, a model was designed using SolidWorks to address these needs. It was observed that staff do not consistently use appropriate containers, raising significant safety concerns.A prototype lid for sharps waste containers was developed using 3D printing technology with PETG material, considering the supplies available in healthcare organizations. Quantitative data were collected from two affected facilities along with associated costs, adopting a mixed-methods approach.The prototype was developed using PETG due to its strength and ease of printing. To ensure its proper functionality, flexural and force simulations were conducted in SolidWorks, indicating that the device can withstand typical forces and is sufficiently durable for its intended use.Although the prototype was not the most economical option, it adapts well to the resources available in hospitals and was positively received by healthcare personnel according to follow-up interviews, demonstrating that it is a viable solution for addressing the problem of sharps waste management in healthcare centers.
Poor management in hospitals, particularly the lack of adequate containers, protocols, and training for the handling of sharps waste, is a major cause of various injuries within healthcare facilities, leading to serious risks for medical personnel, patients, and the environment. Inadequate handling increases the risk of infections for healthcare personnel and patients, as well as environmental contamination if waste is disposed of in inappropriate locations.Due to the injuries caused by sharps waste among healthcare personnel and the need to reduce associated risks, this research focuses on collecting qualitative data on the needs of healthcare facilities through surveys and interviews, as well as on the current management of these wastes in participating institutions. Additionally, a model was designed using SolidWorks to address these needs. It was observed that staff do not consistently use appropriate containers, raising significant safety concerns.A prototype lid for sharps waste containers was developed using 3D printing technology with PETG material, considering the supplies available in healthcare organizations. Quantitative data were collected from two affected facilities along with associated costs, adopting a mixed-methods approach.The prototype was developed using PETG due to its strength and ease of printing. To ensure its proper functionality, flexural and force simulations were conducted in SolidWorks, indicating that the device can withstand typical forces and is sufficiently durable for its intended use.Although the prototype was not the most economical option, it adapts well to the resources available in hospitals and was positively received by healthcare personnel according to follow-up interviews, demonstrating that it is a viable solution for addressing the problem of sharps waste management in healthcare centers.
Keywords
Gestión de Residuos, PETG, SolidWorks