Survey of contaminated percutaneous injuries in anesthesiologists

Zbeidy, R.; Livingstone, J.; Shatz, V.; Raveh, Y.; Gad, R.; Nicolau-Raducu, R.; Souki, F. G.

Objectives: To assess the occurrence, reporting, characteristics, and outcome of contaminated percutaneous injuries (CPI) in anesthesia residents, fellows, and attendings. Settings: Anesthesia practitioners are at inherent risk for percutaneous injuries by blood-contaminated needles and sharp objects that may result in transmission of HIV and hepatitis viruses. Percutaneous injuries are underreported, and data is limited and decades old. Participants: After institutional research board approval, an email to participate in an online survey was sent to 217 members of the anesthesia department at the University of Miami. Responses were collected in March 2020. Results: The overall response rate was 51% (110/217). 59% (95% CI, 50 68) of participants reported having one or more CPI (42% residents, 50% fellows, 77% attendings). 29% (95% CI, 17 41) of attendings reported sustaining a CPI within the last 5 years. Occurrence of CPI within the last 5 years based on attending anesthesiologist years of practice was 57% for less than 5 years, 37.5% for 10-15 years, and 20% for 15-20 years of practice. 75% (95% CI, 65 85) reported the incident at the time of injury. 59% (95% CI, 48 70) of injuries were due to hollow bore needles. 50% (95% CI, 39 61) of total injuries were high risk. 26% of injured anesthesia practitioners received post-exposure prophylaxis and there were zero seroconversions. Conclusion: Most anesthesiologists will sustain a contaminated percutaneous injury during their careers. Half of these injuries are high risk with a quarter requiring postexposure prophylaxis. More education and interventions are needed to reduce percutaneous injuries and improve reporting.