The 'double bag': a device for protection against blood spray in the management of epistaxis.

Nasal bleeding is one of the commonest emergencies that place medical staff at risk of blood contamination during management. A sizeable proportion of incidents have been reported where blood splashes in the facial area caused such contamination, and the exposed conjunctivae are potential sites for transmission of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). We present a simple self-made device named the 'Double Bag', which is highly effective in preventing blood spraying during the management of epistaxis. It was designed to be used while treating epistaxis or removing nasal packing after surgery, when transient bleeding is expected.