Procedure-specific infection control for preventing intraoperative blood exposures.

Contemporary intraoperative infection control must address the risk of infection transmission to both patients and their providers. The patient must be protected from intraoperative wound contamination and exposure to blood-borne pathogens during procedures. Providers must be protected from injuries and mucocutaneous exposure to the patient's blood. Procedure-specific infection control precautions, or similar strategies that address this bidirectional potential for infection transmission, may prove successful in accomplishing improved safety for all.