NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician is cleaning up a small blood spill on the laboratory floor. After donning appropriate PPE, which of the following steps should be performed first?
- ANotify the environmental services department for cleanup.
- BContain the spill by covering it with absorbent material.
- CApply a fresh layer of absorbent material to the spill.
- DSpray the spill area with a 1:10 bleach solution.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Contain the spill by covering it with absorbent material.
The first step after donning PPE for a blood spill is to contain it. This prevents the spill from spreading, making it easier and safer to clean. Using absorbent material to cover the spill immediately achieves this containment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While environmental services may be called for larger spills, the phlebotomist is typically responsible for immediate containment and cleanup of small spills.
- C. Applying a fresh layer without initial containment might not be the most effective first step if the spill is already spreading.
- D. Spraying disinfectant directly onto an uncontained spill can cause aerosols and further spread the contamination.
Blood Spill Cleanup Protocol
A standardized procedure for safely managing and decontaminating areas affected by blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) spills.
- Requires immediate action and appropriate PPE.
- Containment is the first step after PPE.
- Disinfect with EPA-registered disinfectant (e.g., 1:10 bleach solution).
Memory trick: For a 'B'loody 'S'pill, 'P'rotect 'P'eople, 'C'ontain 'C'arefully, 'C'lean 'C'ompletely.