Final answer:
To prevent hospital-acquired infections, a phlebotomist should use a 1:10 dilution of bleach for cleaning blood-contaminated items. This precaution, along with other protocols for personal protection and equipment sterilization, is critical for reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent hospital-acquired infections, a phlebotomist should clean blood-contaminated items with a 1:10 dilution of bleach. This means for every one part of bleach, nine parts of water should be used to create the dilution. Phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals must use this solution to sterilize and disinfect surfaces and equipment that come into contact with blood to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens.
After any exposure to potentially contaminated materials, the immediate step is to wash the area with detergent and warm water. For further decontamination, the area should be cleaned with either 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for at least one minute. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure the effective killing of any viruses or bacteria, such as HBV, that may be present on surfaces for up to seven days.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting with bleach, healthcare workers need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment including protective coats, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves when handling such materials. Proper sterilization and disinfection protocols are key in managing the risk of infections.