Cleaning and Disinfection Strategies for Spills

There is no evidence that bloodborne pathogens such as HBV, HCV, HIV and OPIM have been transmitted from housekeeping surfaces such as floors, walls, or countertops. Nonetheless, the cleaning and disinfection of contaminated areas are sound infection prevention practices.^1,2 In patient-care areas, manage small spills by removing visible organic matter with an absorbent material (e.g., paper towel); discard it into a leak-proof properly labeled container; and then, disinfect the area.^1,2

OSHA regulations require the use of an EPA-List D low-level disinfectant (i.e., hospital disinfectant with HIV and HBV claims); or an EPA-List E intermediate-level disinfectant (i.e., hospital disinfectant with tuberculocidal, HIV, and HBV claims); or an EPA-List B intermediate-level disinfectant (i.e., hospital disinfectant with tuberculocidal claim).^1,6 PPE used during the cleaning and decontamination procedures should be appropriate for the task.⁵