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Blood exposure risk during procedural dermatology
Ruth D Holzmann1, Michelle Liang, Hari Nadiminti
1Department of Dermatology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. rdholzmann@mac.com
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|April 22, 2008
Summary
Dermatologists face a significant risk of blood splash during procedures, with 66.4% experiencing contamination. Consistent use of protective barriers like face shields is crucial to prevent viral transmission in procedural dermatology.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Disease Prevention
Background:
- Dermatologists performing procedures are susceptible to body-fluid contamination.
- Procedural dermatology carries inherent risks of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of blood splash during dermatologic procedures.
- To assess the consistency of universal precaution use among dermatologists.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 500 consecutive dermatologic excisions, counting blood droplets on protective gear.
- A survey of American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) members regarding adherence to universal precautions.
Main Results:
- A high rate of blood splash (66.4%) was observed during dermatologic procedures.
- Factors such as reconstruction type, anticoagulation, wound location, and size increased splash risk.
- Inconsistent use of face shields and goggles was reported by surveyed dermatologists.
Conclusions:
- The risk of physician body-fluid contamination in procedural dermatology is clinically significant.
- Inconsistent use of protective barriers highlights a gap in current safety practices.
- Emphasizing the use of preventive barriers is essential to minimize viral transmission risk.
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