Which procedure would you use to prepare implements that may have been exposed to blood or body fluids?

Which procedure would you use to prepare implements that may have been exposed to blood or body fluids?

• A. Disinfection
• B. Sterilization
• C. Sanitization
• D. Cleaning

Answer: (A)

When an implement may have been exposed to blood or body fluids, the goal is to reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens by thoroughly decontaminating the surface. There are different levels of decontamination: cleaning removes visible dirt; sanitizing lowers overall microbial counts; disinfection eliminates most microorganisms on inanimate surfaces; sterilization removes all forms of microbial life, including spores. For tools that could contact blood or body fluids, disinfection is the appropriate step between clients because it reliably neutralizes the pathogens that could be present on those surfaces without requiring the more intensive process of sterilization. Cleaning or sanitizing alone wouldn’t consistently achieve the necessary level of safety for potential bloodborne contamination. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow the prescribed contact time to ensure effectiveness.

When an implement may have been exposed to blood or body fluids, the goal is to reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens by thoroughly decontaminating the surface. There are different levels of decontamination: cleaning removes visible dirt; sanitizing lowers overall microbial counts; disinfection eliminates most microorganisms on inanimate surfaces; sterilization removes all forms of microbial life, including spores. For tools that could contact blood or body fluids, disinfection is the appropriate step between clients because it reliably neutralizes the pathogens that could be present on those surfaces without requiring the more intensive process of sterilization. Cleaning or sanitizing alone wouldn’t consistently achieve the necessary level of safety for potential bloodborne contamination. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow the prescribed contact time to ensure effectiveness.