Epistaxis and conjunctival contamination--are our ENT trainees at risk?

The aims of this study were to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood during the treatment of epistaxis and to identify if certain patients and treatments may pose a higher risk. Protective eye-wear worn by ENT trainees during the ward management of epistaxis was examined for contamination with blood splashes. This occurred in 18% of cases. The incidence of contamination was higher when two treatment modalities were required and when treating elderly female patients.