Blood Splashes Research Articles

Evaluation of post-slaughter exsanguination of selected breeds of pigs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the course and rate of post-slaughter exsanguination of selected breeds of pigs used in Poland. The material comprised 36 fatteners of the Polish Landrace, 30 of the Polish Yorkshire, 30 of the Pietrain and 30 of the Duroc breeds of pigs. The study showed that the analyzed breeds differed in the weight of slaughter blood. The highest weight of blood was obtained from the Duroc breed, while the smallest from the Yorkshire pigs. The influence of breed on the amount of blood obtained in the 1st and 2nd minute was observed. It was also stated that the Yorkshire fatteners had a statistically significantly lower weight of the heart, lungs, spleen and kidneys, whereas the highest weight of these organs was observed for the Duroc fatteners. The study showed that the meat of the breeds differed in the intensity of colour. In the muscles of all the breeds, the presence of blood splash fault was observed, with the highest intensity in the Landrace and Pietrain fatteners. It was observed that in all analyzed breeds slaughter exsanguination caused a significant increase in the concentration of glucose, cortisol and lactic acid in the blood. The highest dynamics of these parameters was stated for the Pietrain and Landrace fatteners. The obtained results indicate important differences in the parameters of exsanguination between the examined breeds.

Roughness Influence on Human Blood Drop Spreading and Splashing.

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is used on a daily basis as evidence in crime scene reconstruction. However, though the impact behavior of complex fluid droplets have been extensively studied, important questions still remain. We investigate the influence of surface roughness and wettability on the splashing limit of droplets of blood, a non-Newtonian colloidal fluid. Droplets of blood perpendicularly impacting different surfaces at different velocities were recorded with a high-speed camera. The recordings were analyzed as well as the surfaces characteristics in order to find an empirical solution because we found that roughness plays a major role in the threshold of the splashing/nonsplashing behavior of blood compared to the wettability. Moreover, it appears that roughness alters the deformation of the drip stains. These observations are key to characterizing features of drip stains with the impacting conditions, yielding a more complete forensic analysis in certain cases.

Blood Glucose, Creatinine, Lactate, and Cortisol Concentration and Histological Analysis of Muscle Fiber in Blood Splash Hanwoo Muscle

Blood Glucose, Creatinine, Lactate, and Cortisol Concentration and Histological Analysis of Muscle Fiber in Blood Splash Hanwoo Muscle

Risk of blood splashes to the eye during surgery

With the advent of a new infectious era involving the HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses, concern has arisen about transmission of these viruses through ocular blood splashes during surgery. The purpose of the study was to determine the risk of ocular blood splashes to surgeons and their assistants during surgery. Surgeons and assistants in several surgical disciplines were requested to wear facemasks with a transparent plastic visor. The visors were collected postoperatively and inspected for macroscopic and microscopic blood splashes. Fifty-nine per cent of the surgeons and assistants refused to wear facemasks with a visor. The incidence of blood splashes in those who participated was 45%. There was a trend for blood splashes to be more common during major surgery and during elective surgery. Surgeons and assistants were subject to similar risk. This study confirms the significant risk of ocular blood splashes during surgery, while also suggesting that both surgeons and assistants lack appreciation of the risk.

National Beef Quality Audit-2016: In-plant survey of carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers.

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA)-2016 used in-plant cooler assessments to benchmark the current status of the fed steer and heifer beef industry in the United States. In-plant cooler assessments ( = 9,106 carcasses) were conducted at 30 facilities, where approximately 10% of a single day's production were evaluated for USDA quality grade (QG) and yield grade (YG) factors. Frequencies of evaluated traits were 66.5% steer and 33.4% heifer sex classes and 82.9% native, 15.9% dairy-type, and 1.2% estimated breed types. Mean USDA YG factors were 1.42 cm for adjusted fat thickness, 89.5 cm for LM area, 390.3 kg for HCW, and 1.9% for KPH. Mean USDA YG was 3.1, with a frequency distribution of 9.6% YG 1, 36.7% YG 2, 39.2% YG 3, 12.0% YG 4, and 2.5% YG 5. Mean USDA QG traits were Small for marbling score, A for overall maturity, A55 for lean maturity, and A for skeletal maturity. Mean USDA QG was Select with a frequency distribution of QG of 3.8% Prime, 67.3% Choice, 23.2% Select, and 5.6% lower score. Lower score included dark cutter (1.9%), blood splash (0.1%), and hard bone, which are USDA overall maturity scores of C or older (1.8%). Marbling score distributions were 0.85% Slightly Abundant or greater, 7.63% Moderate, 23.54% Modest, 39.63% Small, 23.62% Slight, and 0.83% Traces or less. Carcasses that were Choice or Select and USDA YG 2 or 3 accounted for 70.7% of the carcasses evaluated. Compared with the previous NBQA, we found a numerical increase in mean USDA YG, USDA QG, adjusted fat thickness, HCW, LM area, and marbling score with an increase in dairy-type carcasses and percentage of carcasses grading USDA Prime and Choice as well as frequency of USDA YG 4 and 5. The findings from this study will be used by all segments of the industry to understand and improve the quality of fed steer and heifer beef that is being produced.

Suicidal Cut Injury of Wrist: Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings

Cut Injury of wrist (CIW) is also known as ‘Spaghetti wrists’ with a minimum of three completely transected structures, a nerve, artery and a tendon. The investigators have to answer the most challenging question i.e. manner of death. Some circumstances cannot be understood by the investigators and have to be explained by a Forensic Pathologist. We report a case of an individual who was found dead in a bathroom with blood splashes all over the walls and floor of the bathroom along clothes and body of the deceased. The amount of blood found in the bathroom was baffling. The case later examined in totality with autopsy findings was found to be suicidal in nature. The authors intend to recommend that wherever possible the autopsy surgeon should visit the crime scene in such cases before conducting autopsy to have a fair idea about the circumstances of death and to lead the investigation towards natural course of justice.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Nurses in Renal Dialysis Units regarding Infection Control in Abha City, Saudi Arabia, 2015

Background: patients on hemodialysis are at risk of nosocomial infections especially Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Nurses’ adherence to infection control procedures is instrumental to control the transmission of the virus among patients. The identification of gaps in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nurses aims at tailoring related training programs. Aim: the study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses working in dialysis units regarding standard recommendations of infection control. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2014 and January 2015 targeting all nurses in three dialyses units affiliated to the Ministry of Health in Abha city. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess nurses’ KAP and an observation checklist to report on the environmental aspects. Results: one hundred and nine nurses were included with a response rate of 94.78%. Most of them were Saudi nationals (62.39%) and holding a diploma (78.90%). The percentage score was 60.18+17.51 for knowledge, 85.59+8.09 for attitudes and 92.11+7.98 for practice. Nurses’ practice was high despite the deficiency in knowledge. Gaps in practice were identified including not always adherent to hand washing (15% to 18%), use of eyewear when blood splash is likely (31.19%), simultaneous care for positive and negative patients (24.77%), passing needles from hand to hand (29.36%) and recapping needles after use (25.69%). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that attitudes towards infection control, attempt to access infection control guidelines, on job training and being non-Saudi independently predicted higher practice scores. Conclusion: nurses’ knowledge is deficient but their performance is significantly related to their attitudes. Nurses tend to be adherent to certain infection control practices than the others. Training in infection control should address the gaps in performance with emphasize on creating favorable attitude.

National Beef Quality Audit–2016: In-plant survey of carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, and value of fed steers and heifers

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA)-2016 used in-plant cooler assessments to benchmark the current status of the fed steer and heifer beef industry in the United States. In-plant cooler assessments ( = 9,106 carcasses) were conducted at 30 facilities, where approximately 10% of a single day's production were evaluated for USDA quality grade (QG) and yield grade (YG) factors. Frequencies of evaluated traits were 66.5% steer and 33.4% heifer sex classes and 82.9% native, 15.9% dairy-type, and 1.2% estimated breed types. Mean USDA YG factors were 1.42 cm for adjusted fat thickness, 89.5 cm for LM area, 390.3 kg for HCW, and 1.9% for KPH. Mean USDA YG was 3.1, with a frequency distribution of 9.6% YG 1, 36.7% YG 2, 39.2% YG 3, 12.0% YG 4, and 2.5% YG 5. Mean USDA QG traits were Small for marbling score, A for overall maturity, A55 for lean maturity, and A for skeletal maturity. Mean USDA QG was Select with a frequency distribution of QG of 3.8% Prime, 67.3% Choice, 23.2% Select, and 5.6% lower score. Lower score included dark cutter (1.9%), blood splash (0.1%), and hard bone, which are USDA overall maturity scores of C or older (1.8%). Marbling score distributions were 0.85% Slightly Abundant or greater, 7.63% Moderate, 23.54% Modest, 39.63% Small, 23.62% Slight, and 0.83% Traces or less. Carcasses that were Choice or Select and USDA YG 2 or 3 accounted for 70.7% of the carcasses evaluated. Compared with the previous NBQA, we found a numerical increase in mean USDA YG, USDA QG, adjusted fat thickness, HCW, LM area, and marbling score with an increase in dairy-type carcasses and percentage of carcasses grading USDA Prime and Choice as well as frequency of USDA YG 4 and 5. The findings from this study will be used by all segments of the industry to understand and improve the quality of fed steer and heifer beef that is being produced.

Performance of materials used for biological personal protective equipment against blood splash penetration.

For occupational safety, healthcare workers must select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), protective clothing, and masks as countermeasures against exposure to infectious body fluids and blood splash. It is important for healthcare workers to ensure the protective performance of each PPE against penetration of pathogens. The International Standards Organization (ISO) 22609 test evaluates the effectiveness of medical facemasks to protect against penetration of splashed synthetic blood. However, in this method, the protective performance is determined only visually, without quantification of leaked liquid volume. Therefore, in this study, we modified the ISO 22609 test method to quantify the volume of leaked liquid and obtain a more accurate assessment of the protection performance. We tested non-woven and woven materials used for masks or protective clothing, and the performance of each material was classified using this new method. We found that the quantity of leaked synthetic blood was dependent on the structural characteristics of each material. These findings will allow healthcare workers to select the most appropriate PPE for a given situation or task.

Risk of blood splashes in otorhinolaryngology surgery: do we really require protection?

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Surgeons are particularly at risk from blood borne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV during interventions or surgeries. They do take precaution to avoid the needle stick injuries but few pay attention on blood or body fluid splashes into eye. The main aim of the study was to know the risk of blood splashes in glass, gown and mask during ENT –HNS (ear, nose and throat and head and neck surgery).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The prospective study conducted in Department of ENT-HNS of Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from 1<sup>st</sup> July 2016 to 30<sup>th</sup> September 2016. All the elective cases were included for study. Surgery was performed by the single surgeon. The surgeon wore the glass and mask during the surgery. At the end of the surgery, the glass, mask and gown was inspected by the surgeon for any blood splashes and information was recorded<span lang="EN-IN">. </span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There were total 62 patients with male 30 and female 32. Regarding the age, most of the patients lie between 20-50 years. The amount of blood splatter in glass, mask and gown is most common in modified radical mastoidectomy surgery. Likewise, the blood splatter is most common in tonsillectomy in throat surgery and in head and neck surgery, the blood splatter is common in all head and neck surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The blood splashes is high even in various ENT surgeries. So it is important to take precaution by surgeon like protective mask and glass worn during surgeries to protect from various blood-borne infection transmissions<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p>

Study of sharp injuries and blood splash exposures among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Study of sharp injuries and blood splash exposures among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Practice and its determinants of universal precaution among nursing staff in a tertiary hospital of Manipur

Background: Health workers are at higher risk of infection with blood-borne viruses including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Successful implementation of universal precaution can effectively control these infections in health-care setting. Objective: To assess the practice of universal precautions among nurses and factors influencing its use in a tertiary-health center of Manipur. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the nursing staffs in a tertiary health-care center of Manipur from October 2011 to September 2013. Respondents were purposively selected, and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as percentage was used to describe the findings. Result: Total respondents were 446 nurses. Response rate was 98%. Only 24% of the nurses always used gloves whenever contact with blood and body fluid was likely. Five in 100 nurses never washed hands after removing gloves. One-third of the nurses never used gown, 22% of the nurses never used mask, 69.3% never used goggles when blood and body fluid splash was likely. Seven in 10 of the respondents always recapped needles immediately after use. Majority of the respondents used sharp and liquid proof container as a method of disposal of sharp materials after removing needle (61.2%). But, three in 100 nurses mixed sharps with general waste, and around 2% of them threw sharps in open pail. Reasons behind not practicing universal precaution were work stress (10.3%), time constraint (28%), lack of supply of personal protective equipment (67%), lack of display of guidelines (2.5%), and emergency situations (4%). Conclusion: Practice of universal precaution was not satisfactory. Training of the health-care workers, proper equipment supply, posters displaying guidelines, and proper hospital policy of patient load management would significantly help both quantitatively and qualitatively for effective implementation of universal precaution in this premier health-care institution of Manipur.

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among primary health-care workers in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: Primary Health-Care Workers (PHCWs) are at a high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of occupational exposures and associated factors contributing to the exposure to BBFs. We also evaluated the post-exposure practices among PHCWs in Kaduna State. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from September 26 to October 7, 2011. One hundred and seventy-two PHCWs were included in the study using a multistage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational exposures to BBFs and post-exposure practices of PHCWs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software, and descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: One hundred and seventeen (68%) PHCWs had been exposed to BBF during their professional practice, of which 53.5% and 38.4% were needlestick and blood splash exposures, respectively. Needlestick and blood splash exposures 3 months prior to the survey occurred in 27.2% and 53.0% of them, respectively. The most common causes of needlestick injuries were during disposal of needles (44.0%) and administration of injections (28.0%). The majority of the respondents (79.8%) failed to report the exposure incidents. Only 8% of the respondents preformed the desirable post-exposure action of washing the exposure site immediately with soap and water. Primary health care workers Conclusion: The high rate of occupational exposure to BBFs among health-care workers reveals an urgent need to raise awareness and to provide periodic training in infection prevention.

Estimation of genetic parameters for carcass defects of Japanese Black cattle in Kagoshima.

Cattle exhibit a range of carcass defects, including blood splash (BLS), intramuscular edema (INE), muscle steatosis (MUS), bruising (BR), trim loss (TRL) and others (OTH). These defects lower the carcass value and can result in significant economic loss to producers. We estimated the incidence, relationship with inbreeding coefficients and genetic parameters of carcass defects in Japanese Black cattle using 561 619 carcass records from Kagoshima, Japan during April 1988 through March 2011. The defect incidence ranged from 0.22% for TRL to 5.73% for BR. The incidence of MUS and BR increased from 1.21% to 6.57% and from 1.06% to 9.31%, respectively. The incidence of INE peaked at 7.44% in 1999 and decreased thereafter. We observed a positive linear relationship between the defect incidence and the inbreeding coefficients in MUS, BR and TRL (P < 0.01). The heritabilities estimated by univariate animal model with Gibbs sampling for BLS, INE, MUS, BR and TRL were 0.24, 0.06, 0.18, 0.05 and 0.02, respectively. The contribution of farm variance to phenotypic variance was negligible (0.01 to 0.04). Significant genetic correlations of TRL were estimated with MUS (0.63) and BR (0.63). Our results suggest that genetic factors contribute to the incidence of BLS and MUS.

The Effects of Workload and Working Conditions on Operating Room Nurses and Technicians

This study was conducted between August 15 and September 20, 2013, to determine the effects of workload and working conditions on operating room (OR) nurses and technicians. The study sample included 74 OR nurses and technicians working in a private university's six hospitals. The Individual Workload Perception Scale and a questionnaire that collected data on risk and environmental factors were used. The mean age of study participants was 29.3 ± 6.7 years, and 62.2% of the participants were female. More than 90% of the nurses and technicians had experienced spills or splashing of blood or other body fluids; anesthetic gases and radiation had affected 63.5% and 71.6% of nurses and technicians, respectively; 63.5% reported lumbar pain; and 46.6% defined the work environment as very stressful. The average workload scale score was 32.4 ± 6.2 (min = 11, max = 55). OR nurses and technicians are exposed to many occupational risks.

Simulating backspatter of blood from cranial gunshot wounds using pig models.

Few studies have examined the biomechanical basis for backspatter from cranial gunshot wounds. Backspatter is material which travels against the direction of fire following ejection from a gunshot entrance wound. Our paper focuses on the use of animals for reconstructing this phenomenon. Five live pigs and several slaughtered pigs were shot using either 9 × 19mm, 115 grain, full metal jacketed ammunition or .22 long rifle, 40 grain, lead, round-nose ammunition. A high-speed camera was used to record the entrance wound formation and backspatter. A small amount of backspattered material was produced with all targets, and blood backspatter was seen in a few cases. However, we conclude that our model provides an understanding of the phenomenon of backspatter and the physical mechanisms associated with it. The various components of the mechanism of backspatter formation are complex and overlap. The principle mechanism observed in pig cranial gunshots was the high-speed impact response of the skin overlying the skull bone. This study has also produced evidence supporting the view that backspatter can result from the splashing of superficial blood if it is already present on the skin. Subcutaneous gas effects have been demonstrated for backspatter from contact shots. There has been no clear evidence of the role of the collapse of a temporary cavity within the brain.

The effects of pre-slaughter restraint (for the purpose of cattle identification) on post-slaughter responses and carcass quality following the electrical stun/killing of cattle in a Jarvis Beef stunner

This study compared normal post-Jarvis stun/kill responses and carcass quality with those occurring when crush restraint was not used during pre-slaughter. The carcasses of 1065 cattle slaughtered during one week at a commercial abattoir were evaluated for quality. The post-stun/kill responses of 788 of these animals were also assessed. An additional study of data from the carcasses of 6061 cattle was further evaluated for quality findings. A significant reduction in post-stun/kill limb movement, muscle tone and the expression of brainstem functions was recorded when restraint was not used. Abolishing crush restraint pre-slaughter also produced a significant reduction in the incidence of blood splash. In addition, the study also showed that animal identification post-slaughter could be successfully implemented with no negative consequences to food safety or traceability. It is suggested that abolishing the use of pre-slaughter crush restraint of cattle would enhance animal welfare and operator safety in plants whether electrical, or mechanical stunning was employed.

Manual accidents, biological risk control, and quality indicators at a children's hospital in north-east Italy.

BackgroundWorking in health care carries the risk of transmission of infected blood to patients by hospital workers and to other health personnel in the form of occupational infections. Conscientious application of the standard precautions is the main method used to avoid needle stick injuries, contamination of skin and mucous membranes, cuts with sharp tools, and inadequate disposal and recapping of needles. The aim of this work was to investigate in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region in north-east Italy, the enhancement carried out to prevent situations of biologic risk for health care workers, and to verify the related laboratory analyses.MethodsBiological accidents occurring during the years 2012–2013 in the departments of oncology and pediatric-obstetric surgery, and in the intensive care unit at Burlo Garofolo Children’s Hospital in Trieste (a large town in Friuli Venezia Giulia) were reviewed, and a new panel of tests was introduced for patients and health care workers, to also detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and aspartate transaminase and immunoglobulin G. All tests were submitted for external quality assessment.ResultsIn total, 230 nosocomial events were reported by health care workers in the above-mentioned hospital departments in 2012–2013. There were 158 accidents in 2012, including 55 accidental needle stick injuries (34.81%), 59 blood splashes (37.34%), and 44 cuts with infected instruments (27.84%). The risk of sustaining a cut was related to movement error during surgery when the appropriate procedure was not followed or when devices were being assembled and passed between doctors and nurses. Most accidents happened among physicians compared to nurses; the high percentage of needle stick injuries (34.81%) versus nurses (25.94%) were due to incorrect recapping of needles after use. No cases of health care workers being infected with HCV, HBV, or HIV were identified. In 2013, the number of biological accidents decreased to 61, comprising two needle stick injuries (3.27%), 35 blood splashes (57.37%), and 25 cuts with contaminated instruments (40.98%). The number of subcutaneous abscesses with scarring resulting from cuts with sharp instruments decreased from three in 2012 (one of which was the subject of medicolegal proceedings) to none in 2013. Although our study population was relatively small, we did detect a statistically significant decrease in the number of needle stick injuries (P<0.05, χ2 test).ConclusionIn this early experience at a maternal and child health institution in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, application of a safety protocol, centralized organization of HIV tests, improved external quality assessment, and introduction of internal quality control for immunoglobulin G contributed to a decrease in the number of work-related biological accidents and their complications, which have the potential to result in medicolegal problems.

A prospective study of blood splatter in ENT.

Surgeons face an occupational risk of daily exposure to blood and body fluids. Potential sources of infection include sharps injuries and mucocutaneous contact. The transmission of blood-borne viruses, in particular human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C from the patient to healthcare workers is well documented in the literature. We studied the incidence and degree of blood splash in all otolaryngology (ENT) procedures undertaken in a single unit over a 12 week period. In addition, we investigated which intraoperative factors might predict the degree of splash. We undertook a prospective, non-blinded study of 102 patients undergoing a range of 'routine' elective ENT within one department over 12 weeks. A surgical mask with visor attached was worn in all procedures. Following each procedure, all splatter masks were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically for blood splash. In addition, the procedure performed, technique used, total blood loss, operating time and grade of surgeon was noted. 54% of procedures resulted in splash mask contamination. The median number of splash spots per mask was 4.7 (range 0-63). Tonsillectomy was the most commonly performed procedure, accounting for over one-third of total procedures investigated. Each mask had an average of 8.2 splash marks. Tonsillectomy had a splash rate of 76.9%. Although the risk of developing HIV is low the operating surgeon has a duty to take all precautions to protect themselves during a procedure and therefore a protective mask and visor or suitable goggles must be worn.