Comparison of Visual versus Microscopic Methods to Detect Blood Splatter from an Intravascular Catheter with Engineered Sharps Injury Protection.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2013 Nov;34(11):1174-1180
Authors: Ansari A, Ramaiah P, Collazo L, Salihu HM, Haiduven D
Abstract
Objective. To determine whether retractable intravenous devices produced blood splatter and whether blood splatter frequency differed between visual and microscopy detection methods. Methods. In this laboratory-based experiment, 105 venipunctures were performed in a simulated brachial vein containing mock venous blood. The retraction mechanism was activated in a testing chamber with precut fabric filters, placed at 3 different locations, to capture blood splatter. Differences in filter mass, visual inspection, and microscopic analysis for presence of blood on filters were the units of analysis. Descriptive statistics, paired Student t tests, and κ statistics were used for data analysis. Results. Blood splatter was detected visually and microscopically as follows: filter A, 70% and 71%, respectively; filter B, 12% and 9%, respectively; and filter C, 13% and 10%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean mass of filter A between before and after activation when confirmed by the naked eye ([Formula: see text]) and microscopically ([Formula: see text]). Substantial agreement between methods was observed for filter A ([Formula: see text] [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.92]), filter B ([Formula: see text] [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.95]), and filter C ([Formula: see text] [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.96]). However, blood was detected by microscopy and not by the naked eye in 7 instances (7%). Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that splatter, which can potentially expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to bloodborne pathogens, is associated with the activation of intravascular catheters with retraction mechanisms. HCWs may not detect this splatter when it occurs and may not report a splash to mucous membranes or nonintact skin. The need to wear personal protective equipment when using such devices is reinforced.
PMID: 24113601 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]