Detection of glove puncture and skin contamination during caesarean section

• Published in: BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Vol. 104; no. 10; pp. 1209 - 1211
• Main Authors: Eckford, S. D., James, M., Jackson, S. R., Hamer, A. J., Browning, J. J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-10-1997
• Subjects: Cesarean Section; Gloves, Surgical; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; Needlestick Injuries - prevention & control; Protective Devices; Punctures
• ISSN: 1470-0328; 0306-5456; 1471-0528
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1997.tb10950.x

Measures that can be taken to reduce exposure to potentially infected body fluids are of particular relevance in obstetric and gynaecological surgery due to high rates of glove puncture and relatively higher prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in the obstetric age group. We describe the use of a simple electronic device that alarms following puncture of surgical gloves or the creation of a fluid bridge between surgeon and patient. Further exposure to potentially infected body fluids is thus prevented. This present study was performed in the context of caesarean section, but the application of the technique to gynaecological procedures is appropriate.