22 o Perioperotive Considerotions

INFECTION CONTROL

Sofety for Operqting Room personnel

23

ofwhich can be closed for the safe disposal ofits contents. 4- rigid plastic container is used for the disposal of nee_

followed regarding the disposal o?shaips. A needle mag_ net is available encased in a flat plastii compact, the lid

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention recommend that all blood and body fluids of every patient be treated as though they were contaminated. Since it is impossible to determine unequivocally whether any patient has a contagious disease due to ihe latency in_ conversion period of seriological tests for vaiious communicable diseases, not the least of which are the human immunodeficiency virus (HIS and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), safety precautions must be observed for every patient. to HIV positive patients and patients with . _In^addition AIDS, patients with other diseases, in parlicular blood_ borne viruses such as the hepatitis B virus, also pose a threat to health care workers. Universal precautioirs must be observed in order to prevent the transmission of any disease to health care personnel and otfier patients. AIDS, hepatitis, and pyogenic infection can be trans_ mitted by puncture wounds. Hospital procedure must be

r.o,om.

raneful maintenance. By employing well-maintained -rrarenging systems, air-conditioning systems (using b"fh-efficiency particulate air filters), and nitrous oxide leak detectors, the exposure to hazardous gases in rhe operating room can be minimized.

is accomplished with scavenging systems that require

sar? ievels of waste anesthetic gases in the operating The removal of waste gases in the operating room

thorities advocate double gloving when virulent

tions are present or suspect.

instruments, and blood transfusion pouches that'mfuhi cause infection through a break in the skin. Some iuinfec_

syringe tip prior to discarding them. All personnel should wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated articles such as soiled sponges,

dles and plastic_sy-ringes; an attached device is employed to separate the hub and shaft ofthe needle and bre-akihe

. Similarly,. {u1ing endoscopy procedures or proce_ dures in which drills or saws are employed, personnel may !e spattered or sprayed by potenfially contami_ nated tissue fragments, saliva, irrlgation fluid, and so on, and safety goggles or glasses should be worn.
CHEMICAT HAZARDS

The National Institute of Occupational Saf.ety and Health (NIOSH) has established guidelines regarding