Surgical antisepsis practices and use of surgical gloves as a potential risk factors to intraoperative contamination

摘要

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the practice of surgical hand antisepsis and integrity of sterile gloves after use by the surgical team in a teaching hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the gynecology service in April 2013. Data were collected through observation of surgical hand antisepsis and test to evaluate surgical glove perforation after use. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Only 16% of surgeons accomplished the technique and time recommended for the practice of surgical hand antisepsis. Regarding gloves, there were 11.1% of perforations, 31.8% of which were noticed. Conclusions: The results presented reveal that failures in these procedures occur routinely, being able to interfere with patients and healthcare workers' safety, prompting reflection on the theme in different health institutions.