Blood Spill Cleanup in Gateway, St. Petersburg, FL

Hospitals use hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectants after the visible blood has been removed. Professional blood cleaners use the same kind of products, matched to the surface and the germ list on the label.

Usually not. Small amounts of blood on a hard surface can be cleaned with gloves and a disinfectant. A cleanup service becomes useful when the spill is large, has soaked in, reached several rooms or involved another person's blood.

Many homeowners policies cover crime or death cleanup after the deductible, but an ordinary injury may not be covered. Renters policies often cover cleanup but not the building. Call the insurer before cleanup starts, take photos and keep every receipt.

A small spill on a hard surface can be cleaned with gloves, eye protection and an EPA-registered disinfectant. Do not do it if you have an open cut, or if blood has soaked into carpet, wood or grout. When in doubt, call a blood cleanup company.

Employers have to protect workers who may be exposed, and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies. A small spill may be cleaned up by staff who have the right training and supplies on site. Larger spills or blood that soaked in call for a commercial blood cleanup team.

No single product is best for every surface. Blood is lifted first, then the area is disinfected with a product made for bloodborne pathogens. Porous materials such as carpet or drywall often have to be removed instead of cleaned.