ABSTRACT
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the practice of surgical hand antisepsis and integrity of sterile gloves after use by the surgical team in a teaching hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the gynecology service in April 2013. Data were collected through observation of surgical hand antisepsis and test to evaluate surgical glove perforation after use. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
Results:
Only 16% of surgeons accomplished the technique and time recommended for the practice of surgical hand antisepsis. Regarding gloves, there were 11.1% of perforations, 31.8% of which were noticed.
Conclusions:
The results presented reveal that failures in these procedures occur routinely, being able to interfere with patients and healthcare workers' safety, prompting reflection on the theme in different health institutions.
Keywords:
Hand Disinfection; Gloves, Surgical; Surgery