All Body fluids are potential carriers of pathogens and other organisms that can transmit infections. Body fluids refers to a variety of things including blood, urine, drainage from cuts, vomit, feces, nasal discharge, semen, and saliva. There is a risk of infection by coming in contact with these body fluids. The risk is higher if the fluids come into contact with a break in the skin or through penetrable contact such as with a needle. The body fluids can also cause an environmental bio-hazard if not disposed of properly. For that reason, care must be taken when handling and disposing of blood and body fluids. Below you will find out how to dispose of blood and body fluids.
How to Dispose of Blood and Body Fluids
Herein are the standard procedures for disposing of blood and body fluids
- Wear Protective Gloves When Disposing of Body Fluids
Gloves are a must have for all persons that handle blood and body fluids. Gloves are a requirement in tasks such as cleaning blood spills and or other body fluid spills, emptying trash cans, handling contaminated sharp objects, and cleaning contaminated equipment and clothing. Gloves are also necessary when cleaning wounds, caring for bloody noses, changing diapers and cleaning up vomits.
- Face Protection
You are required to approach all body fluids as potentially infected with HIV, Hepatitis B, and other infections. For that reason, you need maximum face protection when disposing of blood and body fluids. Full body protection is especially necessary for the event of splashes, sprays, and spatter when cleaning contaminated rooms.
- Flush Body Fluids Down the Toilet
Urine and feces should be flushed down the toilet. You can also dispose of blood by flushing down the toilet.
Collect medical waste into a plastic bag, seal it and then store in a sealed rubbish bin before transportation to the disposal site. Dressings and other contaminated items should also be put in a plastic bag, sealed and stored in a sealed rubbish bin, before being transported to the disposal site.
- Rinse and Wash Clothes and Linen in Hot Water
For items such as bed linens or clothes that have come in contact with blood and body fluids, first, rinse them with cold water in a sink before washing with hot water in washing machine. Ensure to separate contaminated clothes; wash them separately from other clothes and linens.
- Put Contaminated Sharp Objects Into Puncture-resistant Containers
Needles, syringes, and broken glass, plus other contaminated sharp objects must be handled with puncture-proof gloves. Collect these items into a closed puncture-proof container and seal it before disposing of them. You should always have a sharps disposal box somewhere close.
- Wash Contaminated Surfaces
Any floor or furniture surfaces that have come in contact with blood and body fluids need thorough cleaning with soap and water, and then with a medically approved disinfectant. Items that qualify for cleaning include floors, counters, changing tables, mats and medical equipment.
If in the course of blood and body fluids disposal you are exposed to infectious materials through an open wound or a cut in the skin, thorough washing, with antibacterial soap and running water, is recommended.
How to dispose of blood and body fluids? By wearing gloves and sometimes facial and body masks. Contaminated items need to be washed thoroughly, or stored in sealed bags and containers before transportation to the damp site. Contact Trauma Center for assistance with the cleaning of crime scenes, trauma scenes, and disposal of bio-hazard wastes.