Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

Which of the following procedures is NOT suitable for cleaning bloodborne pathogens from mats?

1. Spray area with alcohol and water solution

2. Spray contaminated area with 1:10 ratio bleach solution

3. Remove visible organic matter

4. Place soiled materials in waste receptacle

The correct answer is: Spray area with alcohol and water solution

Using an alcohol and water solution to clean areas contaminated with bloodborne pathogens is not suitable because alcohol is less effective than other disinfecting agents against certain pathogens, specifically viruses like hepatitis B and C and HIV. While alcohol can sanitize surfaces, it does not provide the necessary concentration and contact time required to effectively eliminate bloodborne pathogens from materials like mats. Effective cleaning requires a more robust approach that ensures the deactivation of these pathogens. In contrast, utilizing a bleach solution at a specified dilution ratio is a recognized method for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens. A 1:10 bleach solution is particularly effective due to the strong virucidal properties of chlorine bleach when appropriately diluted. Removing visible organic matter is a vital initial step because blood and other bodily fluids can impede the efficacy of disinfectants. Finally, placing soiled materials in a waste receptacle is also a critical procedure as it helps contain and manage biohazardous waste appropriately, reducing the potential for further contamination.