If a student has blood on their hands, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Wash hands with soap and water only.
• B. Ignore and proceed with instruction.
• C. Use gloves/PPE and follow protocol.
• D. Wipe hands on a sleeve and continue.

Answer: (C)

When blood is present, your priority is to protect yourself and the student by using protective gear and following infection-control steps. Put on disposable gloves before touching anything with blood, and add other PPE such as a gown or eye protection if there’s a risk of splashes. This barriers-based approach helps prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

Contain and clean up the area using disposable supplies: blot or dab the blood with towels rather than wiping it, and place all contaminated materials in a properly labeled biohazard bag or as your protocol requires. Disinfect the work area with an approved disinfectant for bloodborne pathogens and follow the recommended contact time.

When cleanup is complete, remove gloves carefully so the contaminated exterior doesn’t contact your skin, and dispose of them properly. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there was any exposure or you’re unsure, report the incident to your supervisor or school nurse and follow the district’s exposure protocol. Wiping hands on a sleeve or ignoring the situation is unsafe and must be avoided.