Reducing exposure risk in the operating room.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate and recommend current best practices related to safe handling of sharp instruments in reducing transmission of blood borne pathogens, specifically HIV, in the operating suite.

Objectives: 1) To identify the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens from sharps in the OR suite. 2) To identify practices to reduce the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the OR suite.