Infections in the operating room

We know that healthcare providers are under constant pressure to reduce costs while improving standards of care and preventing cross-contamination.

It is estimated that one out of every 20 patients undergoing surgery will develop a surgical site infection (SSI) and staff exposure rate to patient’s blood during surgery is as high as 10.4 per 100 procedures   . It’s important to ensure patient safety in the operating room (OR) and to protect healthcare professionals from infection from bloodborne illnesses.

Healthcare professionals are frequently exposed to pathogens. Needlestick injuries, of which there are an estimated one million in Europe each year , put them at risk of contracting bloodborne illnesses, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV from patients’ blood.