Short L, Robert L, Chamberland M, McKibben P, Culver D, Rudnick J, Bell D; National Conference on Human Retroviruses and Related Infections.

Program Abstr First Natl Conf Hum Retrovir Relat Infect Natl Conf Hum Retrovir Relat Infect 1st 1993 Wash DC. 1993 Dec 12-16; 151.

OB/GYN Cooperative Study Group, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

Background: BCs, especially percutaneous injuries (PIs), during GYN-PRO can place both gynecologic personnel (GP) and patients at risk for bloodborne infections. We initiated a study in three U.S. hospitals in a city of high HIV prevalence to identify the circumstances and frequency of BCs during GYN-PRO. Methods: Trained observers recorded information about surgical techniques, use of protective equipment, and details of BCs. Results: During March-May 1993, one or more GP sustained PIs during 15/281 (5%) GYN- PRO (16 total PIs), and blood-skin contacts (BSCs) during 104/281 (37%) GYN-PRO (151 total BSCs). Of 16 PIs, suture needles were involved in 15 (94%); 25% occurred while the injured GP held/steadied tissue while suturing or cutting; 31% were self-inflicted and 50% were inflicted by a co- worker. After 3 (19%) of the 16 PIs, the sharp object recontacted the patient due to its continued use. Procedure specific PI rates included: 10% (5/49) for myomectomies, 8% (7/81) for total abdominal hysterectomies, and 3% (2/60) for total vaginal hysterectomies. Of 151 BSCs, 111 (73%) were to the hand and 40 (26%) to other skin surfaces. One percent of double-gloved (10/792) and 25% of single-gloved (98/388) physicians, medical students, and scrub nurses sustained BSCs to the hand. Conclusions: Circumstances of BCs during GYN-PRO suggest that technique changes and safer devices may enhance prevention efforts. In a subsequent phase of this study specific interventions to reduce BCs will be evaluated.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Epithelial Cells
• Female
• Gloves, Protective
• Gynecology
• HIV
• Hand
• Hand Injuries
• Humans
• Mucous Membrane
• Needles
• Skin
• Suture Techniques
• United States
• blood
• epidemiology
• methods
• surgery

Other ID:

• 95921552

UI: 102214492

From Meeting Abstracts