Final answer:
Blood-soiled gauze should be disposed of in a biohazard container, as per OSHA guidelines, and must be sterilized appropriately before disposal.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to OSHA guidelines, a medical assistant should dispose of blood-soiled gauze in a biohazard container. It is important to recognize the international symbol for biohazards and ensure that all biohazard waste is disposed of in the correct manner. This includes wearing protective gear when handling potentially infectious materials, and understanding that biohazard waste must be sterilized, typically by autoclave, before it can be disposed of within the waste stream. Improper disposal such as placing biohazardous material in a regular trash bin, sink, or recycling bin poses serious health risks and is not compliant with biosafety practices.