Splash basin contamination in orthopaedic surgery.

Samples of splash basin fluid were cultured at the end of 78 randomly selected orthopedic operations. Fifty-eight (74%) of the specimens were positive on culture. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the prevalent organism. Thirty-four (59%) of the positive cultures grew multiple organisms. Seven (12%) grew more than 100 colonies per 100 ml specimen. This study demonstrates that splash basin fluid is frequently contaminated and may be a source of wound contamination during orthopedic surgery. Implants should not be placed in the splash basin, and instruments placed in it should not be returned to the operative wound.