Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

What is an effective way to kill potential blood borne pathogens?

1. Wipe with alcohol wipes

2. Clean with a 10% solution of bleach and water

3. Use hot water and soap

4. Spray with disinfectant

The correct answer is: Clean with a 10% solution of bleach and water

Using a 10% solution of bleach and water is an effective way to kill potential bloodborne pathogens due to the strong oxidizing properties of bleach. This solution is recognized for its ability to inactivate viruses and bacteria, making it a reliable choice for disinfection, especially in areas where there may be contamination with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Bleach, when diluted appropriately, can penetrate and destroy the outer protein structures of pathogens, causing them to lose their integrity and rendering them inactive. This method is frequently recommended in healthcare and safety guidelines for decontaminating surfaces exposed to blood. While alcohol wipes can also disinfect surfaces, they may not be as effective against certain pathogens when used on heavily soiled areas. Similarly, while hot water and soap are good for routine cleaning, they are not specifically designed to disinfect surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. Using disinfectant sprays can provide a level of sanitation but may not always contain the concentration or specific ingredients required to effectively eliminate all types of bloodborne pathogens without proper dwell time or thorough application. Thus, the 10% bleach and water solution stands out as a proven and effective means for ensuring the safety and hygiene necessary to deal with potential bloodborne pathogen contamination.