Surgical Safety
Performing skin biopsies places the operator at risk of
blood-borne infections. Accordingly, vaccination for hepatitis
B is indicated, and universal precautions should be
observed by wearing gloves and eye-guards.
10
Doublegloving
may provide increased protection against blood
exposure.
11
Shave and punch biopsies are clean, not sterile
procedures; mask, gown and
sterile
gloves are not necessary.
7
A mask is recommended for operators or assistants
known to be respiratory carriers of
Staphyloccoccus
or
Streptococcus
organisms. Mask, gown, and sterile gloves
are indicated for excisions, and are reasonable for any patient
at increased risk of infection.