Percutaneous and mucous membrane exposure protocol in a southeastern dental school

Analysis of workplace injuries in a dental school environment

Workplace injuries at the University of Queensland Dental School during the period 1992-1994 were assessed to determine their incidence, and the associated indirect costs, causal factors, and appropriate preventive strategies. Overall, dental chairside assistants experienced a higher incidence of injuries than students both on a per worker and per time basis. Of the injuries with a low risk of cross-infection, burns and scalds from sterilizing equipment, and eye injuries in laboratories were the most common. This emphasizes the importance of wearing appropriate protective equipment in areas outside the treatment zone, and the need for signage and education. Common causes of sharps injuries were burs left in handpieces, two-handed needle recapping, and cleaning of probes in the sterilizing room. Changes to techniques and equipment would prevent such incidents. A range of factors which contribute to the calculation of indirect costs following injuries in the dental workplace are identified.

Safety awareness for the otolaryngologist caring for the HIV-positive patient

The alarming increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, expected to reach 40 million cases worldwide by the year 2000, has enormous impact on the otolaryngologist, since up to 70% of HIV-positive patients present with head and neck symptoms. Parenteral and nonparenteral acquisition of HIV has been documented with seroconversion from needle sticks estimated at 1 for every 200 exposures. The rate of compliance with universal precautions is found to be reported as low as 16%. In 1993, over 1400 patients with HIV were admitted to Kings County Hospital Center. There were 165 reported cases of sharp injuries of which 4 were scalpel related and 17 were suture needle related. We surveyed HIV safety experiences at five hospitals emphasizing operating room procedures, including instrument handling, gloving, elimination of excess equipment and personnel, utilization of nonsharp instruments, and team discipline. Preventive measures are recommended to help minimize inadvertent sharp injuries.