Final answer:
Contaminated surfaces must be disinfected using protocols including wearing protective gear, cleansing with antiseptic solutions, and proper disposal of waste. Maintaining a sterile environment and following strict hand hygiene and equipment disinfection protocols are critical to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
All surfaces contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials must be disinfected using proper procedures to prevent the spread of infections.
Health-care professionals must wear protective clothing and face protection, and utilize equipment such as cut-resistant gloves when dealing with these hazards.
Once contact is made with the skin, immediate cleansing with detergent and warm water is vital, followed by disinfection with a strong basic solution such as 1 N NaOH or a bleach dilution. Contaminated waste should be disposed of safely through methods like incineration or autoclaving.
In addition, instruments require thorough cleaning and soaking in strong basic solutions to ensure complete sterilization.
It is equally important to maintain a sterile field using proper aseptic technique during medical procedures to avoid contamination which could lead to sepsis. In the event of an exposure, rigorous protocols including hand hygiene, equipment disinfection, and isolation measures, as necessary, should be followed diligently.