Which of the following is used to destroy HIV contamination?

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2022

Explanation

Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) is a powerful, broad-spectrum disinfectant with potent virucidal activity, making it highly effective against HIV.
It is the standard, recommended agent by health authorities for decontaminating surfaces and managing spills of blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Unlike antiseptics, it is formulated for inanimate surfaces and remains effective in the presence of organic matter when used in the correct concentration (e.g., 1:10 dilution for blood spills).
It is inexpensive, fast-acting, and readily available, making it a practical choice for routine use in all healthcare settings.

Option A: Dettol (chloroxylenol) is an antiseptic intended for use on skin, not a high-level disinfectant for surfaces. Its efficacy is reduced by organic matter like blood and it is less effective against viruses like HIV compared to sodium hypochlorite.
Option B: Alcohol (70% ethanol or isopropanol) evaporates too quickly from surfaces. This short contact time is often insufficient to ensure complete inactivation of all viral particles in a blood spill.
Option D: Savlon is a combination of antiseptics (chlorhexidine and cetrimide) designed for skin cleansing and wound care. It is not a surface disinfectant and lacks the potent virucidal activity needed for decontaminating HIV-infected blood spills.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Disinfection and decontamination of surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the correct disinfectant is fundamental to Standard Precautions and preventing nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections and occupational exposure.
Nurses must differentiate between an antiseptic (for skin) and a disinfectant (for surfaces). Using the wrong agent can lead to failed decontamination and risk of disease transmission.
In the Indian context, where resources may be limited, knowing that inexpensive household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a highly effective disinfectant is crucial for infection control.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a method to 'destroy HIV contamination'. This implies surface disinfection, not skin antisepsis.
Analyze the options. Categorize each one: Is it primarily a disinfectant for surfaces or an antiseptic for skin?
Recall the standard infection control protocols for bloodborne pathogens like HIV. The recommended agent for spills is a chemical disinfectant.
Evaluate each option based on this context. Dettol and Savlon are primarily antiseptics. Alcohol, while a disinfectant, has a major limitation (rapid evaporation) for spills.
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the classic, powerful disinfectant used for blood spills. This makes it the most appropriate answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Disinfection and decontamination of surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV.
Stem keywords: destroy, HIV contamination
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following

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