Practical precautions for avoiding sharp injuries and blood exposure

Current surgical practices result in greater than a 50-percent incidence of blood exposure per operation for surgeons and operating team members who do not take any added precautions during their procedures. By incorporating changes in personal exposure protection, double gloving, and developing safer techniques during operations, it is estimated that the exposure risk to blood and body fluids can be decreased among surgeons by 74 percent. This article reviews practice precautions that may be acquired by the surgeon and the operating team. The current U.S. Health Department information on HIV risk after sharp exposure is reviewed as well as the most recent recommendations for antiviral drug prophylaxis after significant exposures.