Three viruses, two kinds of cleanup
"Hepatitis" covers several different viruses, and the cleanup depends on which one is involved. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are bloodborne pathogens, so the concern is blood and other potentially infectious materials left on surfaces, fabrics or sharps. Hepatitis A is associated with fecal contamination, so restrooms, kitchens and soiled linens come first.
Knowing which situation you are in helps us choose the right product and decide which materials can be cleaned and which should be removed.
Disinfectants we select
For blood-related work, we use products from EPA's List S, which identifies registered disinfectants with claims against bloodborne pathogens including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. EPA retired its older Lists D, E and F and folded them into List S.
For hepatitis A, there is no separate EPA list, so we choose a registered product whose label specifically names hepatitis A virus and follow its contact time. In both cases the surface is cleaned before the disinfectant goes on, as CDC guidance describes and many labels require.
When blood is involved
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard treats blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious and requires workers who clean them to be protected. We wear protective equipment, remove visible blood with absorbent material, clean the area and then disinfect it.
Porous materials that have absorbed blood, such as carpet pad, mattress foam or upholstery, often cannot be disinfected reliably. When that is the case we explain why and remove them for appropriate disposal with your agreement. Any needles or sharp objects are placed in puncture-resistant sharps containers.
Typical places we treat
Hepatitis decontamination calls come from a wide range of settings.
- Homes where a person with hepatitis B or C had a bleeding injury or medical emergency
- Restrooms and kitchens in restaurants or workplaces after a hepatitis A notice
- Rental units being turned over after a tenant's illness
- Vehicles with blood on seats, belts or carpet
- Offices and stores after an injury left blood on floors or fixtures
Materials that can and cannot be saved
Hard, nonporous surfaces such as tile, sealed countertops, metal fixtures and vinyl can usually be cleaned and disinfected reliably. Sealed hardwood and laminate are often salvageable if blood has not reached the seams.
Porous and absorbent materials are a different story. Carpet and carpet pad, upholstered cushions, unsealed wood, ceiling tiles and mattress foam can hold blood or fecal material below the surface. OSHA's definition of regulated waste includes items that would release blood if compressed and items caked with dried blood, which describes many of these materials once saturated.
We explain each item's condition and the reasoning before recommending removal. Replacement of flooring, drywall or cabinetry goes to a contractor of your choosing.
Before we arrive and beyond our scope
Keep people and pets away from any blood or fecal contamination and do not handle sharps with bare hands. If anyone was stuck by a needle or had blood contact with broken skin, eyes or mouth, contact a healthcare provider promptly; post-exposure care is a medical matter.
We do not test for hepatitis, provide vaccinations or advise on medical treatment. Restaurants dealing with a hepatitis A case should follow health department direction on food-handler exclusion and notification. Related services include blood cleanup and needle cleanup. We serve Nashville and all of Middle Tennessee.