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Clinical Science Investigation (CSI) Canterbury: surgical gown length and blood inside gumboots
1Department of Vascular, Endovascular & Transplant Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. mclarke2000@hotmail.com
Background:
A gap between the bottom of gowns and the top of gumboots (commonly known as wellingtons or rubber boots outside of New Zealand) makes it possible for blood splashes to enter surgeons' gumboots and contact skin, putting them at risk of exposure to HBV, HCV and HIV. This study investigated the prevalence of blood splashes inside gumboots used by surgical staff at a single hospital.
Method:
Ninety-four pairs of gumboots (91 from male surgeons, 3 from female surgeons) from the hospital operating theatres were used in this study. Each pair of boots was visually inspected for internal contamination with blood. Possible stains were checked using urine dipsticks to confirm the presence of blood.
Results:
Of the 94 pairs of gumboots checked, 55 pairs (58.5%) had blood staining on the inside lining. Eighty percent of blood stains were larger than 20 mm². None of the female surgeons' gumboots were contaminated compared to 60% of the males' pairs.
Cocnlusion:
A large proportion of the gumboots used in operating theatres were contaminated internally with blood. The results of this study suggest that longer gowns should be available to health care workers in operating theatres to reduce internal contamination of gumboots and minimise the chance of exposure to body fluids.
