By Ron Stoker Although their effects can be devastating,
percutaneous injuries from syringes and scalpels have
historically been considered as an acceptable occupational
hazard by surgical personnel. Everyone has been aware of the
potential for injury and yet there have been few attempts to
reduce the risk of such injuries. T he operating room
environment is unique among all healthcare settings (1). There
is always intense pressure, close working quarters and a high
concentration of sharps instruments and potentially infectious
blood and body fluids (BBF). Several studies have shown that the
skin and mucous membranes of operating room personnel may come
in contact with blood or other fluids in as many as 50 percent
of surgical procedures (2,3) Other studies have shown that OR
personnel are at higher risk for injury as operative time,
estimated blood loss, and number of personnel in the operative
field increase (4). The data indicates very little change in the
rate of scalpel injuries in the OR in spite of the