If a porous item becomes contaminated with blood, what is the proper disposal method?

• A. Rinse with water and discard in regular trash
• B. Wipe with disinfectant and reuse
• C. Seal in a plastic bag and keep it for reuse
• D. Double bag it and place in a closed trash container or biohazard

Answer: (D)

Contaminated porous items can absorb blood and are not reliably decontaminated by cleaning, so the priority is to prevent any leakage and exposure. The safest approach is to double bag the item—place it in a bag, seal it, then put that bag into a second bag and seal again—and then place it in a closed waste container or a designated biohazard bag. This creates strong barriers against leaks and protects anyone who handles the waste, aligning with infection-control and regulatory practices for potentially infectious materials. Rinsing and discarding in regular trash, wiping and reusing the item, or trying to store it for reuse do not adequately contain the risk and could spread contaminants. Follow local regulations and facility policies, but the underlying idea is clear: secure, double-bagged disposal to prevent exposure.