ARE UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS REALISTIC

Reduction of the risk of perioperative transmission of bloodborne infe ction may be accomplished by barrier precautions, changes in surgical technique, and appropriate HIV testing. Prevention of mucocutaneous an d parenteral exposure of both patients and health-care workers to body fluids is a basic principle. Preoperative HIV testing has no role to play in the emergency surgical patient. Re-engineering needle use has the potential to reduce significantly the risk of parenteral exposure to blood.