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The design, effectiveness and acceptability of the arm sleeve for the prevention of body fluid contamination during obstetric procedures
Author(s) -
Kabukoba Josaphat J.,
Pearce J. Malcolm
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1993.tb14260.x
Subject(s) - medicine , contamination , biology , ecology
Objective 1. To design a device that would reduce contamination of staff during obstetric procedures. 2. To undertake clinical trials to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of such a device. Design A prospective study. The arm sleeve is made of a nonwoven material laminated on polyethylene film making it waterproof. It has an elastomeric cuff with adhesive that ensures a watertight seal between it and the glove. Setting Delivery suite in a teaching hospital. Methods Doctors and midwives were requested to wear the sleeve on top of the standard gown and gloves. Each user was assessed for blood contamination at the end of the procedure and a questionnaire detailing the extent of contamination and the views of the user was completed. Results Eighty questionnaires were completed. The contamination of arms and hands was 3.8% and 5%, respectively. Eighty‐nine percent thought the sleeve had served its purpose and 76% said they would use it regularly. Conclusions The sleeve is an effective protective device which complements the glove and gown. We recommend that it should be used during all obstetric procedures.