Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Biobanking of Human Aqueous and Vitreous Liquid Biopsies for Molecular Analyses
Published on: September 11, 2023
Risk of conjunctival contamination from blood splashes during surgery at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi
S W O Ogendo1, M N Awori, M A Omondi
1Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
Objectives:
To determine the utilisation rate of design specific eye protection by surgeons and to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood splashes during surgery.
Design:
Cross sectional, observational study.
Setting:
The theatre suite of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi
Subjects:
Surgeons from all specialties operating in the theatre suite.
Results:
The minority of surgeons, 5.2% utilised protective eye goggles compared to 3.5% of assistants. Prescription eye spectacles were the most common form of eye protection at 41.9 and 20.9% respectively for surgeons and their assistants. The contamination rate for provided protective eye wear was 53.1% with the average number of droplets being 2.48 per procedure for the principal surgeon. The duration of surgery and the use of power tools influenced the contamination rate.
Conclusions:
The utilisation rate of design specific protective eye wear is low and with a significant risk of conjunctival contamination, changes in attitudes and practices are needed to increase utilisation.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...