If multi-use supplies come into contact with blood or body fluids, what should you do?

• A. Use an EPA registered hospital disinfectant according to the manufacturers directions and as required by your area’s regulatory agency
• B. Wipe with water
• C. Air dry
• D. Boil for 5 minutes

Answer: (A)

Disinfection is essential when multi-use supplies have been exposed to blood or body fluids because these materials can harbor pathogens that pose a risk of transmission. Using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant ensures the product is proven to kill relevant microbes, and following the manufacturer’s directions plus your local regulatory requirements guarantees you apply it correctly—correct product, proper dilution, appropriate contact time, and compatible surfaces. This combination is what makes the disinfection effective. Wiping with water, letting the item air dry, or boiling are not recognized methods that reliably disinfect and can be ineffective or damaging; the label provides the approved procedure to ensure safety and compliance. Always clean any visible matter first, apply the disinfectant as directed, maintain the contact time, and then let the item dry or rinse as specified by the product label.