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

What are the appropriate procedures to follow when cleaning bloodborne pathogens from wrestling mats?

1. Spray contaminated area with alcohol

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

3. Remove visible organic matter

4. Place soiled materials in biohazard trash

The correct answer is: Spray contaminated area with 1:10 ratio bleach solution

Using a 1:10 ratio bleach solution to spray the contaminated area is the appropriate procedure when cleaning bloodborne pathogens from wrestling mats. This method is effective because bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria present in blood. The ratio of 1:10 is recommended as it provides a sufficient concentration of bleach to effectively disinfect surfaces contaminated with bloodborne pathogens while being safe to use on non-porous materials like mats. It's crucial to first clean the mats to remove visible organic matter, as disinfectants can become less effective when applied over organic material. This step ensures that the bleach solution works optimally to eliminate potential pathogens. Additionally, while responsible disposal of soiled materials in biohazard trash is essential for safety and compliance with health regulations, it does not directly address the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces where pathogens may reside. Consequently, using a bleach solution for disinfection after proper cleaning is the comprehensive approach needed to ensure a safe environment in wrestling settings.