Final answer:
Healthcare workers must thoroughly wash and disinfect their hands using detergent and a bleach or NaOH solution after disconnecting bloodlines from a Hepatitis B positive patient. This prevents transmission of HBV and is essential before documentation or further patient interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a patient who is Hepatitis B positive, a healthcare technician must follow strict hand infection control procedures after disconnecting bloodlines and before documentation. The technician should perform a thorough handwashing immediately using warm water and detergent, followed by disinfecting the hands with a 1:10 dilution of bleach or 1 N NaOH for at least one minute. This is to ensure the removal of any potential contamination from the Hepatitis B virus, which can remain infectious on surfaces for up to seven days. Furthermore, this procedure is in line with recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for handwashing in healthcare settings, which is crucial for reducing the transmission of HBV and other infectious diseases.
Proper handwashing technique involves five steps: wetting hands with clean, running water, applying soap, lathering and scrubbing all surfaces including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, rinsing thoroughly, and drying with a clean towel or air dryer. Following these steps diligently is a key measure to prevent the spread of infections among healthcare workers and patients.