Prevention of blood exposure. Body and facial protection

[Surgical scrub: evaluation of its adequacy for the prevention of biological risks in surgical procedures II: effectiveness of surgical scrub]

The study elaborated evaluation patterns of the components of the surgical scrub in hospitals of the district of São Paulo. The most important difficulty was the lack of rules and consent on the types of the fabrics, as a microbiological and contact with blood and other fluids barrier. However, it was possible to identify positive and problematic aspects. It was observed that the components are similar among the hospitals, considering the design and the way of fabrics production. Gloves were the ones with the best quality results, while shootweares were the worst. The most problematic aspect was referred to the acquisition controls and the re-use process of the components.

Precautions against cross-infection during operations for maxillofacial trauma

One hundred oral and maxillofacial units in the UK were sent a postal questionnaire. Surgical staff of all grades were asked which infection-control measures were taken during the treatment of maxillofacial fractures. Two hundred and ninety-four questionnaires were completed, a response rate of 49%. If the patient was known to be infected by a blood-borne viral disease, significantly more surgeons used standard barrier precautions such as eye protection, fluid-resistant gowns, drapes, ball-ended clips, adhesive tapes and intermediate trays (P<0.0001). Bone-plating techniques were used in preference to wire osteosynthesis (P<0.0001). Only 31 (10.5%) of surgeons routinely used double gloves but 250 (85%) did so if the patient was an infection risk (P<0.0001). Universal precautions were not applied equally to all patients.

[Surgical scrub: evaluation of its adequacy in preventing biological risks in surgery: I. Its use in surgery]

The study elaborated approaches for adequate use of the surgical scrub and it evaluated, through systematized observation, the performance of the surgical team during the surgery. The adopted procedure was very valid, allowing to recognize positive and problematic aspects. Except the protecting glasses, all the other components of the surgical scrub were used. The subject located in the use form, where caps and masks were more problematic among anaesthesists and circulate nurses; apron and gloves among surgeons and, mainly, scrub nurses.

Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the Surgical Setting

The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has highlighted the need for orthopaedic surgeons to understand the epidemiology of percutaneous injuries and other blood exposures in the surgical setting. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have worked to increase understanding and prevent transmission of blood-borne viral diseases in orthopaedic surgery. This article addresses the risk of HIV transmission in the surgical setting, with a focus on surveillance efforts to monitor the extent of occupational HIV infection, specific risk factors, and postexposure management. Health-care worker-to-patient transmission and patient-to-patient transmission are also addressed.