Management of Blood or Body Substance Spills in the Home

PURPOSE

·       To prevent the spread of infectious disease

·       To promote a clean environment

EQUIPMENT

1.     Blood spill kit (utility gloves, paper towels, impermeable plastic trash bag, 1:10 bleach solution or other home health agency-approved disinfectant) (see Infection Control)

PROCEDURE

1.     Explain the procedure to the patient/caregiver.

2.     Don gloves.

3.     Cover blood or body substance spill with paper towels.

4.     Soak up drainage with paper towels. Place paper towels in an impermeable plastic trash bag.

5.     Disinfect spill area with 1:10 bleach solution or an approved home health agency disinfectant for a minimum of 1 minute.

6.     Wipe up bleach solution or disinfectant with paper towels and place in an impermeable plastic trash bag and secure.

7.     For large amounts of blood or body substances, consider double-bagging plastic trash bag in another plastic trash bag, then secure it.

8.     Clean and replace equipment. Discard disposable items according to Standard Precautions.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

Make a fresh supply of bleach solution daily because chlorine deteriorates and loses efficacy over time.

DOCUMENTATION GUIDELINES

Document Standard Precautions on the visit report.