How should spills be managed in an OR to maintain safety and sterility?

• A. Contain and clean spills promptly with appropriate absorbents and disinfectants; document and decontaminate the area.
• B. Ignore small spills.
• C. Only clean after the procedure is completed.
• D. Disperse spill with upflow air.

Answer: (B)

Spills in the OR must be promptly contained and cleaned to protect the sterile field and patient safety. Use appropriate absorbent materials to contain and soak up the liquid, then clean the area with a compatible disinfectant, ensuring the required contact time. After cleaning, decontaminate surrounding surfaces and equipment as needed and dispose of contaminated materials in the proper biohazard waste. Document the spill and the actions taken so there is a traceable record for review and accountability. If the sterile field has been compromised, re-establish sterility before continuing. This approach reduces the risk of contamination and infection. Ignoring spills, cleaning only after the procedure, or dispersing them with airflow does not adequately restore safety or sterility.