Question 61

Pour bleach on the spill and let it soak for 60 seconds.

To effectively disinfect a large spill of venous blood, the phlebotomist should pour bleach on the spill and allow it to soak for 60 seconds, as this method is proven to eliminate potential pathogens present in the blood.

A) Cover the spill until maintenance arrives.

Covering the spill without treating it does not eliminate the biohazard risk. While it may temporarily contain the spill, it does not disinfect the area or prevent exposure to pathogens.

B) Pour bleach on the spill and let it soak for 60 seconds.

This is the correct action because bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can effectively kill viruses and bacteria present in blood. Allowing it to soak for at least 60 seconds ensures that the disinfectant has enough contact time to work effectively.

C) Evacuate the laboratory.

Evacuating the laboratory may be necessary in certain emergency situations, but it is not the immediate appropriate response to a blood spill. It does not address the need for containment and disinfection of the spill itself.

D) Apply a liquid thickening agent on top of the spill.

Using a thickening agent may help manage the spill by preventing further spread, but it does not provide the necessary disinfection. This action alone is insufficient for handling a biohazard situation involving blood.

Conclusion

Pouring bleach on the spill and allowing it to soak is the most effective method for ensuring the area is disinfected and safe. Other options either do not address the underlying biohazard risk or are insufficient for adequate disinfection, highlighting the importance of using appropriate chemical agents in biological spills.