Final answer:
After a spill of patient specimens, the appropriate document to consult for proper cleaning and decontamination is the institution's biosafety protocol or guidelines for biosafety in microbiology laboratories recommended by the ASM.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure the area is properly cleaned and decontaminated after a rack of patient specimens has fallen and spilled, the document that should be consulted is the institution's biosafety protocol or guidelines for biosafety in microbiology laboratories. Specifically, guidelines provided by authoritative bodies such as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) would be the recommended practices and procedures for dealing with such spills. The protocols will outline the steps for decontaminating the area using the appropriate disinfectants and methods to avoid the risk of infection.
The process would typically involve wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective coats, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves. Any skin contact with the spill should be followed by immediate washing with detergent and warm water, then with a 1 N NaOH solution or 1:10 dilution of bleach for 1 minute to neutralize any potential pathogens. Contaminated materials should be disposed of in biohazard waste containers, and the area should be soaked with a suitable disinfectant, allowed to sit for the recommended time, then wiped and cleaned thoroughly to ensure complete decontamination.