Blood on Shoes

Updated:   Published

Blood on Shoes

Hello! I'm in outpatient RN. I got a about a half dollar coin sized drop of blood on my sneaker today. Course I took off my shoe and cleaned it with hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and wipes. I lysoled as well. There's no stain but should I still use the pair in the future? I'm kinda a germaphobe and a little worried but I also am unsure I want to throw out a pair of comfy work sneakers. 

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Bloodborne pathogens don't live forever on surfaces. You've hit it with several antimicrobial options, so you're fine. You should see my OR shoes... stained, but still worn after disinfecting.

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You cleaned up one stain that you could see. What are you going to do about all the organisms that you can't see? 

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mtmkjr said:

You cleaned up one stain that you could see. What are you going to do about all the organisms that you can't see? 

Exactly that's why I was asking what I should do

Rose_Queen said:

Bloodborne pathogens don't live forever on surfaces. You've hit it with several antimicrobial options, so you're fine. You should see my OR shoes... stained, but still worn after disinfecting.

Thank you! Still feeling anxious ab it haven't wore them since I keep my work shoes outside anyway but still ?

nathalie chavez said:

Exactly that's why I was asking what I should do

Thank you! Still feeling anxious ab it haven't wore them since I keep my work shoes outside anyway but still ? unsure for some reason

 

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nathalie chavez said:

Exactly that's why I was asking what I should do

Reading my reply, I may have come across snarky and didn't intend it that way 

Practice good hand washing, keep your clothing and environment reasonably clean. Don't over think it. Unless you have broken skin or you are immune compromised in some way let your bodies defense systems do their work. 

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No worries! I didn't take it that way just was like more of exactly you read my mind reply  hope you didn't take mine that way too! Thanks for the help! 

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nathalie chavez said:

No worries! I didn't take it that way just was like more of exactly you read my mind reply  hope you didn't take mine that way too! Thanks for the help! 

I agree with the previous poster's comment about what you can't see, not with regard to this particular drop of blood but everything else that gets on work (or even non-work) shoes that isn't as obvious. Life's too short to worry about all that ?

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Specializes in LTC.

You'll live.

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Specializes in OR 35 years; crosstrained ER/ICU/PACU.

As an OR RN, I wear solid clogs (Merrell's are my favorites) that I can quickly & easily wipe down.  If you're worried about stains & germs, sneakers are the worst shoes to wear, being permeable.  And we leave our work shoes at work, so they don't bring blood & germs home.  Get yourself a solid shoe.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

When the pandemic hit, I bought 2 packs of 100-count shoe covers. I used them ONCE. After sliding across the floor in them....thought I'd never stop....I filed them. Your experience may be different.
 

Though not approved, Walmart bags are cheaper (free) and will undoubted give the same outcome. True, but I'm kidding ?

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Specializes in ER.

Your shoes are going to be dirty, whether they look it or not. You've got to just live with that fact. You did great getting rid of the stain though

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