Risk of contamination with blood during obstetric-gynecologic surgery
Olivares-Lopez, F.; Terreros-Jimenez, J.S.; Juárez-Ortega, M.
Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico 64: 223-226
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9041 PMID: 8925981 Document Number: 455985
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.