Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
Surgical masks: operative field contamination following visor-to-visor contact
Raymond Alexander Cocciolone1, Steven Tristram, Peter Mac Donald Hewitt
1Department of Surgery, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
Background:
Clashing of surgical visor masks frequently occurs when two surgeons bend over an operative field simultaneously; however, it is unknown whether this results in contamination. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential for operative field contamination following surgical visor-mask clashes. The nature of bacterial contamination was also assessed.
Methods:
Thirty sham operative procedures were performed under normal operating conditions for a specified time period. The number of surgical visor mask clashes during each procedure was determined by randomization (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 clashes). All procedures were performed over a standard blood agar plate array. The degree of bacterial contamination was assessed by counting c.f.u. that developed after 24 h of incubation. Bacterial types were also determined.
Results:
Surgical visor mask clashes resulted in increased contamination of the operative field; however, this was found to be independent of the number of clashes. 95% of pathogens were coagulase negative Staphylococcus species. Other bacteria included Micrococcus species, Bacillus species, Corynebacterium species, various Gram negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus (< 1%).
Conclusion:
Surgical visor mask clashes increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the operative field.
Insights
Surgical visor mask clashes can contaminate the operative field, increasing bacterial contamination risk. This contamination is independent of the number of mask clashes during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
Background:
- Surgical visor masks frequently clash during simultaneous surgeon movements over the operative field.
- The potential for operative field contamination from these mask clashes is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate operative field contamination resulting from surgical visor mask clashes.
- To characterize the types of bacteria involved in potential contamination events.
Main Methods:
- 30 sham surgical procedures were conducted under standard conditions.
- Surgical visor mask clashes were randomized (0-6 clashes per procedure).
- Bacterial contamination was assessed using blood agar plates and colony-forming unit (c.f.u.) counts after 24-hour incubation.
Main Results:
- Surgical visor mask clashes significantly increased operative field contamination.
- The degree of contamination was not dependent on the number of mask clashes.
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species constituted 95% of identified pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Surgical visor mask clashes pose a risk for bacterial contamination in the operative field.
- Even a single clash can lead to contamination, highlighting the importance of surgical technique.
Related Concept Videos
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
01:25Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:22PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...