Blood spillage in ultra high speed centrifuge - (Jun/11/2014 )

We have a common use ultra high speed centrifuge which has been getting blood stains on the inside.  I'm suspecting others spinning down blood samples.  What are the risks facing other users who might unintentionally come in contact with the blood (hand contact, inhalation)? The blood might potentially be infected (HIV, Hepatitis).  

Your concern is very appropriate - the risk here is real and very significant.  Sure seems your org. is assuming substantial liability by allowing these sloppy practices.  I suggest you also consider the personal risk your taking and your future in this lab if this is not resolved.

Note OSHA's blood-borne pathogen rule: https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_BloodborneFacts/bbfact01.pdf

Unfortunatelly it's quite easy to get blood inside a centrifuge. It can be only small amount trapped inbetween the screwcap, and the huge centrifugal force will drag it out and on the walls.

Sometimes it's almost impossible to avoid it, if you wash/centrifuge blood cells several times.

I can't count how many times I've been cleaning "blood sorbet".

The only thing to do is clean it every time it happens of course, with gloves and usual precausion and spray out the walls with ethanol. That's the basics.