A small blood spill from a specimen you are handling occurs on a laboratory countertop. What is the usual procedure you should use to handle the spill?
A) Use a handful of paper towels and wipe up the spill, being careful not to get any on your skin.
B) Ask your supervisor to find someone to clean up the spill.
C) Wearing gloves and using 10% bleach as a disinfectant, clean up visible blood first, then disinfect the entire area of potential contamination.
D) Leave the spill alone so it can dry, which will make it easier to clean up when you get time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wearing gloves is necessary to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Using 10% bleach solution as a disinfectant is appropriate since it is an effective agent against many microorganisms commonly found in blood. Cleaning up visible blood first is recommended to reduce the risk of splattering and spreading contamination. Disinfecting the surrounding area is important to prevent any potential spread of contamination. Option A is incorrect because wiping up a blood spill with paper towels is not an appropriate method of cleaning up a blood spill. Option B is incorrect because the person who caused the spill is responsible for cleaning it up. Option D is incorrect because allowing the spill to dry itself is inappropriate and risks the spread of contamination.

A Small Blood Spill from a Specimen You Are Handling