A phlebotomist who accidentally spills acid on his or her arm should immediately:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Holding the affected arm under running water for at least 15 minutes is the standard first aid for acid contact. This will help dilute and remove the acid from the skin. Neutralizing the acid with a base could worsen the situation as it may produce heat and more harmful chemicals. Consulting MSDS is important for understanding the properties and hazards of chemicals, but it is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Wrapping the arm in gauze and going to the emergency department may be necessary depending on the severity of the injury, but proper first aid needs to be applied first.

A Phlebotomist Who Accidentally Spills Acid on His or Her