Risk of conjunctival contamination from blood splashes during surgery at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
Cross sectional, observational study.


METHODS
The theatre suite of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi


METHODS
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.
Ogendo
S W O
SW
Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
Awori
M N
MN
Omondi
M A
MA
Mulatya
E M
EM
Mugo
P W
PW
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000821:virology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007630:Kenya; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission