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[Risk of contamination with blood during obstetric-gynecologic surgery]
F Olivares-Lopez1, J S Terreros-Jimenez, M Juárez-Ortega
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General Regional del IMSS, Puebla, Pue.
Abstract:
To determine the risk of exposure to blood and body fluids potentially contaminated with infectious organisms, we instituted a prospective study of 100 gynecologic procedures performed at Hospital General Regional of Puebla, México. Accidental exposure to blood occurred during 8 procedures (8%). There were 8 glove tears (8%). Needlestick injuries occurred in 6% of the operations. The frequency of blood contamination, glove tears and percutaneous injuries is high; surgical personnel are at risk of contracting a blood-borne disease such as HIV infection or viral hepatitis. Implantation of universal blood and body fluids precautions is useful in preventing HIV exposures of which needlestick precautions are most important.
Insights
Surgical personnel face a high risk of blood exposure and needlestick injuries during gynecologic procedures. Implementing universal precautions is crucial for preventing blood-borne diseases like HIV and viral hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare-associated infections
- Occupational health and safety
- Infectious disease epidemiology