Blood and body fluid exposures among surgeons: a survey of attitudes and perceptions five years following Universal Precautions.

A mail survey of surgeons at our medical center 5 years following adoption of Universal Precautions revealed that 29% estimated having > or = 1 potentially serious blood or body fluid exposures (BBEs) per month. Failure to report BBEs (usually needlesticks) to the employee health department was common, and the majority of surgeons in practice for > or = 10 years never reported such exposures. The most commonly cited reason for not reporting BBEs was perceived low risk of acquiring bloodborne infections.