Blood and Bodily Fluids

Objective

To explain the importance of following correct procedures when managing and cleaning blood and body fluid spillages.

Further information: Preventing Infection Workbook - Page 26

Why is safe management of blood and body fluids important?

Blood and body fluids (e.g. urine, faeces, vomit) may contain large numbers of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Spillages must be dealt with immediately by staff trained in the correct procedure.
Dealing with spillages exposes staff to infection risk; therefore, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must always be worn.

Dealing with Blood or Blood-Stained Body Fluid Spillages

• Best practice is to use a blood spillage kit.
• If unsuitable for use on soft furnishings, untreated wood or carpets, clean with:
  • PH-neutral detergent and warm water,
  • Carpet shampoo machine, or Steam cleaner.
• Items heavily contaminated with blood/body fluids that cannot be cleaned adequately should be disposed of safely.
• Prepare a chlorine-based disinfectant at 10,000 ppm available chlorine.
• Wear disposable apron and gloves (and a mask if there is a risk of splashing).
• Ventilate the area (open windows/doors) as fumes may be released.
• Cover the spillage with paper towels.
• Pour disinfectant over the towels and leave for 5-10 minutes contact time (or as per manufacturer's instructions).
• Clear away towels and spillage, disposing of as infectious waste.
• Clean the area with disposable detergent wipes or detergent and warm water using a disposable cloth.
• Dispose of cloths and PPE as infectious waste.
• Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and dry completely.

Dealing with Body Fluid Spillages (Where No Blood is Present)

• Do not use chlorine directly on urine - toxic fumes will be released.
• Use a body fluid spillage kit, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Prepare a chlorine-based disinfectant at 1,000 ppm available chlorine.
• Repeat the same steps as outlined for blood spillages (cover, disinfect, allow contact time, clean, dispose safely, hand hygiene).

Use of Disinfectant in the Safe Management of Blood and Bodily Fluid Spillages (SICPs)

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear the right PPE. Use facial protection if there is a risk of splashing.
• Preparing Disinfectant:
• Some chlorine-based disinfectants are supplied as tablets.
• Use a dilutor bottle to mix the specified amount of water to achieve the correct concentration.
• Incorrect dilution risks:
  • Too weak → may not kill viruses.
  • Too strong → may damage surfaces and equipment.
• Shelf Life & Storage:
• Diluted chlorine solutions become less effective after 24 hours.
• Record the date and time when the solution is made.
• Dispose of any solution after 24 hours.
• Application:
• Ensure a contact time of 5-10 minutes to effectively kill microorganisms.
• Never apply chlorine-based disinfectant directly on urine, as toxic fumes may be released.
• Alternative Cleaning for Soft Surfaces:
• Chlorine can damage furnishings and carpets.
• Use a carpet cleaning machine, detergent with warm water, or a steam cleaner instead.
• Maintenance Checks:
• Regularly check spillage kits, wipes, and chlorine disinfectant products to ensure they are within the expiry date.

References and Further Guidance Links: 
PHW / NHS Care Home Infection Prevention & Control Manual: Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CH IPCM) - Public Health Wales  
NIPCM: 8 - Blood and body fluid spillages