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Abstract
The differing concern among surgeons regarding the blood-borne transmissible infections
HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV), has prompted a confidential questionnaire of 250
consultant orthopaedic surgeons on some aspects of their current practice of ‘safe’
surgery. Only 154 replied.
Hepatitis B vaccine uptake by surgeons was 70 per cent in this sample. This compares
favourably with two recently published figures (47 per cent and 24 per cent). Unfortunately,
we do not fare as well on routine screening for HBV in known ‘at risk’ groups, although
92 per cent of surgeons felt confident that they would recognize the ‘inoculation
risk’ categories.
The response to sustaining a needlestick injury by the majority of surgeons (87 per
cent), was to change the affeded glove. Only 7 per cent reported the incident as recommended
to the Occupational Health Department and 6 per cent took no action at all.
Current recommendations for ‘safe’ surgical practice as they apply to surgeons with
regard to needlestick injury are discussed.
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References
- Bloodborne infection in the workplace.Br. Med. J. 1989; 299: 699
- Attitudes of general practitioners towards their vaccination against hepatitis B.Br. Med. J. 1990; 300: 238
- MMWR. 1989; 38 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)): 1
- Acute viral hepatitis B: laboratory reports 1980–1984.Br. Med. J. 1986; 293: 37
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome: recommendations.J. Hosp. Infect. 1990; 15: 7
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 24,
1990
Identification
Copyright
© 1991 Published by Elsevier Inc.
