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F L U I D
M A N A G E M E N T
POSITION STATEMENT
AAOS Urges Care in Handling Fluid Waste
GIVE AND TAKE Solidifying fluid waste reduces concerns about splashing and spills, but the chemicals come with some concerns
of their own.
Blood and bodily fluids that come in contact with your staff put them at risk for contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections, warns the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The AAOS advises you to treat all patients as if they were infected with bloodborne pathogens, and to take necessary steps to protect patients and staff from cross-contamination.
Many of your infection control efforts related to blood and body fluid exposures are likely geared at preventing needlestick injuries, but the AAOS says mentoring and competency training for surgeons, nurses and other staff members should also focus on the proper ways to "handle supplies or dispose of waste."
The AAOS also notes that orthopedic surgeons should be familiar with the exposure
prevention protocols handed down by the CDC and OSHA. And during procedures, advises AAOS, staff and surgeons must wear appropriate footwear, such as boots or surgical shoe covers, to prevent skin exposure to blood or other body fluids that may spill outside of the surgical field.
— Daniel Cook
On the Web:
Check out the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' information statement "Preventing the Transmission of Bloodborne
Pathogens" at tinyurl.com/k7sr6rt
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also treat the waste (which means you don't have to red bag it), but there are issues with the chemicals they use to treat it — either gluteraldehyde or sodium chloride. A lot of caregivers are concerned about exposure to the treating chemicals, which can cause lung irritation, asthma, headaches and nausea, among other ailments. If you use suction canisters that include a solidifier, don't consider that a treatment system. Simply use the canister
