Anesthesiologists and patients are at risk for cross-contamination and cross-infection during routine clinical care (Clinical Anesthesia. 2017; Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Curr Anesthesiol Rep 2020;10:233-41; J Anesth 2020;34:575-84). The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic emphasized the risk of such perioperative transmission (Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2021;35:1503-8). In this article, we review practical considerations related to these hazards.
Hand hygiene, including hand washing, use of hand sanitizer, and appropriate use of gloves, reduces transmission of pathogens to patients and protects anesthesia providers from spread of disease via fomites, secretions, and blood (Clinical Anesthesia. 2017; Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Curr Anesthesiol Rep 2020;10:233-41). Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, either body-worn or placed in proximity to the anesthesia machine, enhances compliance with hand hygiene protocols and reduces postoperative infection rates (Clinical Anesthesia. 2017; Anesth Analg 2020;131:37-42; Curr Anesthesiol Rep 2020;10:233-41).
Gloves are...
