title: Epistaxis and conjunctival contamination--are our ENT trainees at risk?
abstract: The aims of this study were to assess the risk of conjunctival contamination with blood during the treatment of epistaxis and to identify if certain patients and treatments may pose a higher risk. Protective eye-wear worn by ENT trainees during the ward management of epistaxis was examined for contamination with blood splashes. This occurred in 18% of cases. The incidence of contamination was higher when two treatment modalities were required and when treating elderly female patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK. hcwallace@lycos.co.uk
authors.forename: Helen C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Philip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Harries
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004844:Epistaxis / Q000628:therapy*; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D012307:Risk Factors