SAFETY AWARENESS FOR THE OTOLARYNGOLOGIST CARING FOR THE HIV-POSITIVEPATIENT

The alarming increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, expected to reach 40 million cases worldwide by the year 2000, has en ormous impact on the otolaryngologist, since up to 70% of HIV-positive patients present with head and neck symptoms. Parenteral and nonparen teral acquisition of HIV has been documented with seroconversion from needle sticks estimated at 1 for every 200 exposures. The rate of comp liance with universal precautions is found to be reported as low as 16 %. In 1993, over 1400 patients with HIV were admitted to Kings County Hospital Center. There were 165 reported cases of sharp injuries of wh ich 4 were scalpel related and 17 were suture needle related. We surve yed HIV safety experiences at five hospitals emphasizing operating roo m procedures, including instrument handling, gloving, elimination of e xcess equipment and personnel, utilization of nonsharp instruments, an d team discipline. Preventive measures are recommended to help minimiz e inadvertent sharp injuries.