Which solution should be used to mop up spilled blood on the floor of an operation theatre?

UPPSC-2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control (E5)

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

Sodium hypochlorite is a potent, chlorine-based disinfectant with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and viruses, including blood-borne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B/C.
Health authorities, including the CDC, recommend a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (approximately 0.5% or 5000 ppm available chlorine) for the disinfection of blood spills.
It is fast-acting, inexpensive, and effective at removing and inactivating microbes from environmental surfaces, making it the standard choice for this purpose.

Option A: Cidex contains glutaraldehyde, which is a high-level disinfectant intended for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments (like endoscopes), not for cleaning large environmental surfaces like floors.
Option C: Savlon is an antiseptic containing chlorhexidine and cetrimide, designed for skin and wound cleaning. Its disinfectant properties are significantly neutralized by organic matter such as blood, making it ineffective for blood spills.
Option D: Formalin is a solution of formaldehyde, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical. It is used for tissue preservation (fixation) and fumigation, not for routine cleaning or mopping up spills due to its significant health hazards.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Infection control and management of biohazardous spills in a healthcare setting helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Proper management of blood spills is a critical infection control measure to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, HBV, HCV) to healthcare workers and patients.
Adherence to standard precautions, including using the correct disinfectant and PPE, is a fundamental responsibility for all healthcare professionals to ensure a safe environment.
What if the spill occurs on a sensitive electronic device? In that case, a 70% alcohol-based disinfectant wipe would be more appropriate after cleaning, as liquid bleach can be corrosive and damage the equipment. The choice of disinfectant must consider the surface being cleaned.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for the correct chemical to clean a biohazardous spill (blood) from an environmental surface (floor).
Analyze the context: 'Operation theatre' signifies a high-risk environment where strict infection control is paramount.
Evaluate each option based on its primary use in a hospital setting. Differentiate between antiseptics (for living tissue), surface disinfectants, and instrument sterilants.
Recall that chlorine-based compounds (like sodium hypochlorite) are the standard recommendation for blood spills due to their effectiveness against blood-borne viruses and their suitability for surfaces.
Eliminate other options by identifying their specific roles: Cidex for instruments, Savlon for skin, and Formalin for preservation/fumigation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Infection control and management of biohazardous spills in a healthcare setting.
Stem keywords: spilled blood, operation theatre, mop up, solution
Lead-in keywords: Which

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