Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 50%

A large spill has occurred in a laboratory involving venous blood. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take?

Rationale

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

Using bleach is the recommended procedure for disinfecting a blood spill, as it effectively kills pathogens present in the blood. Allowing it to soak for at least 60 seconds ensures that the disinfectant has adequate contact time to achieve thorough decontamination.

A (Cover the spill until maintenance arrives.) YOUR ANSWER

Covering the spill does not address the immediate biohazard risk and allows potential contamination to persist. The area must be properly disinfected to protect laboratory personnel from exposure to infectious agents rather than just physically obstructing access to the spill.

C (Evacuate the laboratory.) YOUR ANSWER

While safety is paramount, evacuating the laboratory without first addressing the spill does not eliminate the risk. Phlebotomists should follow proper spill response procedures, including cleanup and disinfection, to ensure the laboratory can be safely used again. Evacuation may be necessary in severe cases, but it is not the first line of action for a contained spill.

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

Using a thickening agent may temporarily absorb the spill, but it does not disinfect the area or neutralize the biohazard. Effective cleaning requires a disinfectant like bleach to ensure all infectious materials are destroyed, making this option inadequate for proper spill management.

Conclusion

In response to a large blood spill, the most effective and safe action is to pour bleach on the spill and allow it to soak for a sufficient time. This method ensures thorough disinfection and minimizes the risk of disease transmission. Other options either fail to address the contamination or do not meet the necessary safety and hygiene standards required in a laboratory environment.

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