S.P.I.C.E the Strategy: Prevention, Isolation, Containment and Elimination
Blood and bodily fluids can contain many different micro-organisms like, viruses, bacteria and fungi. If a spillage of blood or bodily fluids occurs, then it must be attended to as soon as possible.
The mirco-organisms that can be within the blood or bodily fluids have the potential to expose staff and others to infection.
The main risk of infection from the micro-organisms that exist within bodily fluids is from mouth/nose/eye contact. There is also a risk of infection via broken skin.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective equipment is to be worn when cleaning all spillages that involve blood and or bodily fluids. The PPE that is to be worn must consist of
- A surgical face mask [FRSM]
- An apron
- Gloves
- A face visor is to be worn if there is any risk of splashing from the bodily fluids through the clean up process.
Note: Ensure any cuts or abrasions are covered by a waterproof plaster or dressing prior to cleaning up the spillage.
Biohazard Clean Fluid Clean Up Kit
All care homes should hold a Biohazard Fluid Clean Up Kit. The biohazard clean up kit is designed for the safe handling and containment and disposal of infectious micro-organisms contained in blood, vomit, urine, mucus, semen and faeces.
If a Biohazard Clean Fluid Clean Up Kit is not available, then best practice would be to use a chlorine-based product such as household bleach or tablets as detailed in the table on page 42.
Ventilation
Ensure a good standard of ventilation. This is known as a control procedure.
Soiled Products
Any linen that has been contaminated is to be carefully folded and placed into a RED bag for laundering as per policy for High-Risk items. Any large matter of bodily fluid is to be bagged up and disposed of in the clinical waste bin [yellow bag].
Storage
The Biohazard Clean Fluid Clean Up Kit should be stored in the locked treatment room so access is restricted to staff that are aware of the associated hazards in using these kits.
The following is a flow chart produced by the Department of Health that details the best practice management of blood and body fluid spillages.
Safe Management of Blood and Body Fluids and the Chain of Infection
How does the Safe Management of Blood and Body Fluids fit into the Strategy of S.P.I.C.E?
Applying the correct techniques to cleaning up bodily fluids prevents the risk of infection to others. When spillages of bodily fluids occur on equipment or on linen or soft furnishings the exposed surface can act as a reservoir for infection. Applying the correct technique at the right time, ensuring the reservoir is not created reduces the risk of transmission to others. The correct approach and management will contain the potentially infectious spillage, isolates it and eliminates it through the correct disposal of clinical waste and laundering services.
