What should be done with clothing contaminated by blood or infectious materials?

Removing clothing contaminated by blood or infectious materials immediately, or as soon as feasible, is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, contaminated clothing poses a significant health risk both to the individual wearing it and to others nearby. Blood and other infectious materials can carry pathogens that can transmit diseases, making prompt removal essential in preventing further exposure.

Additionally, taking off the contaminated clothing reduces the likelihood of spreading any potential contaminants to other surfaces, equipment, or personnel. This is especially important in emergency response scenarios where protective measures must be strictly followed to maintain the safety and health of all responders and the public.

The other options suggest delaying the removal of contaminated clothing or managing it in ways that could increase exposure risk. For example, changing into clean clothes first could leave the individual exposed for an extended period, while leaving contaminated clothing on until after the shift could unnecessarily prolong exposure. Washing the clothing with soap and water on site is not a recommended practice as it may not effectively eliminate all pathogens and can still pose a risk before the clothing has been properly sanitized.