Risk Of Conjunctival Contamination From Blood Splashes During Surgery At The Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Objectives:To determine the utilisation rate of design specific eye protection by surgeons and to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood splashes during surgery. Design: Cross sectional, observational study. Setting: The theatre suite of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Subjects: Surgeons from all specialties operating in the theatre suite. Results: The minority of surgeons, 5.2% utilised protective eye goggles compared to 3.5% of assistants. Prescription eye spectacles were the most common form of eye protection at 41.9 and 20.9% respectively for surgeons and their assistants. The contamination rate for provided protective eye wear was 53.1% with the average number of droplets being 2.48 per procedure for the principal surgeon. The duration of surgery and the use of power tools influenced the contamination rate. Conclusions: The utilisation rate of design specific protective eye wear is low and with a significant risk of conjunctival contamination, changes in attitudes and practices are needed to increase utilisation.

Occupational Hazards among Healthcare Workers in Africa: A Systematic Review

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“…Three studies reported one year incidence of muco-cutaneous exposures ranging from 24–76% [172328]. Two studies designed to evaluate splash rates on protective eyewear in the operating room during procedures reported 45–53% of eyewear was splashed [2027].…”

Health problems of nursing workers in a public educational institution

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Contribution of a Winged Phlebotomy Device Design to Blood Splatter

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