NIC Esthetician Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
An esthetician is cleaning a workstation after a facial. They notice several small blood spots on the counter from a minor cut the client sustained during the service. Which of the following is the most appropriate and compliant cleaning procedure for this scenario?
- AClean the area with soap and water, then disinfect with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.
- BSpray the area with a high-level disinfectant, wait 5 minutes, then wipe clean.
- CWipe the area with a damp cloth and then spray with an antiseptic.
- DCover the blood spots with paper towels, then dispose of them in the general trash.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Clean the area with soap and water, then disinfect with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.
OSHA standards and infection control protocols require that surfaces contaminated with blood or bodily fluids be first cleaned with soap and water to remove organic matter, and then disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant, which is effective against bloodborne pathogens.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Disinfecting before cleaning will not be fully effective, as organic matter (blood) can shield pathogens from the disinfectant.
- C. Antiseptics are for skin, not surfaces. This method is insufficient for bloodborne pathogens.
- D. Disposing of contaminated paper towels in general trash is a direct violation of biohazard waste disposal protocols.
Blood Spill Clean-up Protocol
A specific sequence of actions required to safely and effectively clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
- Always wear appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves).
- First, clean visible blood and debris with soap and water.
- Second, disinfect the area with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant.
- Dispose of all contaminated materials as biohazard waste.
Memory trick: Gloves first, then clean the mess, then disinfect for success.