Use a 1:100 bleach solution on a smooth surface like this countertop. Universal precautions call for spills of blood, or of body fluid containing blood, to be cleaned with household bleach and water. The stronger 1:10 solution is kept for porous surfaces, such as cloth, upholstery, or carpet. A countertop is smooth, so the weaker mix is the right choice here.
Household bleach is sodium hypochlorite. It kills bloodborne germs on contact. A smooth, hard surface holds little organic material, so the weaker mix is enough. A porous surface soaks blood into tiny spaces, which shields germs, so it needs ten times the strength. Universal precautions treat every patient the same way, because you cannot tell by looking who carries a bloodborne germ. They are required by the rule called Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, written by OSHA, the federal workplace safety agency. Wear gloves for any such cleanup. The same rules ask for a mask when fluid could reach you through the air, and a gown when your skin or clothing may get soiled. Wash your hands at once if blood touches them, and again after the gloves come off.
Keep the pair of numbers straight: 1:100 for smooth, 1:10 for porous. The rougher the surface, the stronger the bleach. A staff member with an open cut or a skin rash should not handle contaminated items at all. Cleaning a blood spill safely is a workplace duty in the COA microbiology and infection control content area.
Incorrect Answers
- A. A 1:2 mix is far stronger than any standard asks for. It wastes bleach, gives off strong fumes, and can damage both surfaces and skin.
- B. A 1:10 mix is correct, but only for a porous surface that soaks up fluid. This countertop is smooth plastic, so the weaker mix is enough.
- C. A 1:50 mix is not one of the two listed dilutions, so it matches no surface in the standard. Guessing a middle strength is not acceptable practice.
Testing Pearls
- 1:100 bleach for smooth surfaces; 1:10 bleach for porous surfaces.
- Bleach is sodium hypochlorite, mixed fresh with plain water.
- Universal precautions are mandated by OSHA, and they treat every patient exactly alike.
- Wear gloves for any contact with blood or body fluids.
- Add a mask and gown whenever splashing of blood is possible.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmic Medical Assisting: An Independent Study Course. Chapter 7, Microorganisms and Infection Control.
