Authors: Davies, C.G.; Khan, M.N.; Ghauri, A.S.K.; Ranaboldo, C.J.

Source: Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Volume 89, Number 8, November 2007 , pp. 770-772(3)

Publisher: The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: While most surgeons make an effort to avoid needlestick injury, some can pay little attention to reduce the potential route of infection occurring when body fluids splash into the eye. It has been shown that transmission of HIV, hepatitis B or C can occur across any mucous membrane. This study aims to quantify how frequently body fluids splash the mask and lens of wrap around protective glasses thus potentially exposing the surgeon to infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out by a single surgeon on all cases performed over a 1-year period. Protective mask and glasses were examined before and after operations.

RESULTS: A total of 384 operations were performed with 174 (45%) showing blood or body fluid splash on the lens. A high incidence of splashes was found in vascular surgical procedures (79%). All amputations showed splash on the protective lens. Interestingly, 50% of laparoscopic cases resulted in blood or body fluid splash on the protective lens.

CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown a high incidence (45%) of blood and body fluid splashes found on protective glasses and masks. There was a very high incidence (79%) during vascular surgical procedures. With the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis increasing, it seems prudent to protect oneself against possible routes of transmission.

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Keywords: HIV; EYE PROTECTION; BLOOD SPLASH

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/003588407X209301

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK

Publication date: 2007-11-01

More about this publication?

• The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England is the official journal of the College and is published eight times a year in January, March, April, May, July, September, October and November. The main aim of the journal is to publish high quality, peer-reviewed papers that relate to all branches of surgery.
  
  The Annals also includes letters and comments, a regular technical section, NICE news, controversial topics, CORESS feedback, book reviews and the best trainee presentations from England and Wales. The editorial board is composed of members of the College Council and experts from across the surgical specialties.
  
  Archive issues of the Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England are available via the PubMed Central database
  
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