Page updated 30 April 2007
Bloodborne Viruses - General Infection Control
Treatment of Spillages
Any spillage of blood/body fluids must be dealt with promptly using a chlorine-releasing agent. For details of the procedure see the Spillage Policy.
Last Offices
In the event of death, Last Offices should be performed observing the same precautions which were in operation when the patient was alive. For details of the laying out procedure see the policy for Last Offices on Infected Patients. Viewing of the deceased by family/friends should take place as soon as possible. After this, the body should be identified with a Biohazard label and then placed in a heavy-duty waterproof cadaver bag. The outside of the cadaver bag should also be discretely labelled with Biohazard tape before transfer to the mortuary.
Cleaning of Single Cubicles
Nursing staff are responsible for ensuring that any spillage of blood/body fluid is dealt with before the domestic staff clean the room. As with any single room, it is essential that it is cleaned on a daily basis, and on patient discharge. Separate cleaning equipment should be available for this purpose. Liquid detergent (GPD) and hot water is adequate for the cleaning process - chemical disinfectants are not to be used routinely. For details of the daily cleaning, and the decontamination of the room on patient discharge, refer to the domestic cleaning policies for your hospital.
 |
 |