Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What should a healthcare worker do with bed sheets that are soaked with blood?

1. Throw them in the regular laundry

2. Place them in a biohazardous linens bag

3. Soak them in bleach solution

4. Leave them in the room

The correct answer is: Place them in a biohazardous linens bag

The appropriate action for a healthcare worker regarding bed sheets that are soaked with blood is to place them in a biohazardous linens bag. This ensures that the contaminated linens are handled safely and in compliance with infection control protocols. Blood-soaked materials pose a risk for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, and proper disposal is crucial to protect both healthcare workers and patients. Using a biohazardous linens bag is specifically designed to contain and transport materials that may be infectious, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens during handling and laundering. This practice aligns with OSHA regulations and guidelines for managing potentially hazardous waste in healthcare settings. Handling the linens in this manner also ensures that they will be treated appropriately in accordance with state and federal regulations, typically involving laundering at high temperatures or using special procedures that sterilize the materials. Other options, such as throwing them in regular laundry or soaking them in bleach solution, may lead to cross-contamination or ineffective disinfection practices. Leaving them in the room could pose a significant infection risk to other patients or staff. Thus, using a biohazardous bag is the most effective and safe choice.