ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Jun 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSurgical masks: operative field contamination following visor-to-visor contact.
Clashing of surgical visor masks frequently occurs when two surgeons bend over an operative field simultaneously; however, it is unknown whether this results in contamination. The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential for operative field contamination following surgical visor-mask clashes. The nature of bacterial contamination was also assessed. ⋯ Surgical visor mask clashes increase the risk of bacterial contamination of the operative field.