Kidney dish



A kidney dish (British English) or emesis basin (American English) is a shallow basin with a kidney-shaped footprint and sloping walls (hence its alternate name) used in medical and surgical wards to receive soiled dressings and other medical waste. Reusable kidney dishes are usually made of stainless steel, while disposable ones may be made of paper pulp or plastic. The shape of the dish allows it to be held against the patient's body to catch any falling fluids or debris. Various sizes of emesis basin are a common sight in healthcare settings, including facilities such as nursing homes that may have bedridden patients. The disposable version of the kidney dish was invented by Bessie Virginia Blount.