DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING A BLOOD COMPONENT IN FLUID WITHIN A CANISTER OF A MEDICAL WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

An insert and insert assembly for facilitating image-based determination of a blood component in medical waste. The medical waste is collected in a waste canister of a medical waste collection system that includes a vacuum source, a fluid measuring subsystem, and a cleaning subsystem. The insert assembly includes means for positioning the insert within the waste canister for an imaging feature of the insert to be spaced apart from an inner surface of the waste canister. The imaging feature may include imaging surfaces in a side-by-side arrangement with each being spaced apart from the inner surface by a respective distance. The insert may include a flow surface configured to limit obstruction of pressurized fluid from the cleaning subsystem being directed at the imaging feature. The insert may define a slot providing fluid communication between a rear side and a front side of the insert.