What dilution of sodium hypochlorite is recommended for cleaning up blood spills?

The recommended dilution of sodium hypochlorite for cleaning up blood spills is a 1:10 dilution. This specific concentration is effective for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood, as it contains an adequate amount of chlorine to effectively kill pathogens, including viruses and bacteria that may be present in blood.

A 1:10 dilution ensures that the active ingredient is strong enough to provide effective antimicrobial action while still being safe for use on surfaces typically found in healthcare settings. This balance is important to ensure that the disinfection process is both effective and minimizes any potential damage to surfaces or harm to personnel handling the cleanup.

Using a lower dilution, such as 1:50 or 1:100, may not provide sufficient antimicrobial activity to effectively eliminate infectious agents. In comparison, a more concentrated solution, such as 1:5, could be too harsh for certain surfaces and may pose a greater risk to those exposed to it.

Therefore, the 1:10 dilution is the widely accepted standard for the safe and effective cleaning of blood spills in health facilities, aligning with guidelines from health authorities and infection control protocols.