Background
Occupational exposure continues to be a pressing challenge in healthcare, where workers face daily risks from biological, chemical, and physical hazards. While needlestick injuries often dominate discussions around workplace safety, liquid splashes represent an equally significant but frequently underestimated source of exposure. These incidents occur when blood, body fluids, chemicals, or other hazardous liquids come into contact with skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes and mouth. Unlike injuries that are immediately visible, liquid splashes can be subtle, often dismissed, and underreported, yet they carry the potential for serious health consequences.
Prevalence and Incidence
Research consistently demonstrates the high frequency of liquid splash incidents among healthcare workers. Global studies estimate that 20–40% of healthcare workers report at least one exposure to splashes every year. In a national survey of nurses in China, more than half reported experiencing blood or body fluid splashes in the previous 12 months, yet less than one-third filed an official report. This gap in reporting highlights how normalization of splashes as “part of the job” contributes to underestimation of the risks. Staff working in operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units are particularly vulnerable, but no clinical setting is exempt from this hazard.
High-Risk Scenarios
Liquid splashes can occur during a wide variety of medical tasks. In clinical care, they are often linked to procedures such as intubation, suctioning, resuscitation, or childbirth, where body fluids may be expelled suddenly and forcefully. In surgical settings, orthopedic procedures, wound debridement, and cesarean sections frequently generate splashes. Laboratory professionals face exposure risks during centrifugation, pipetting, and accidental spills of biological or chemical samples. Even routine nursing care—such as removing intravenous lines, flushing catheters, or cleaning vomit and urine—can result in unexpected splashes. In addition, pharmacists and oncology nurses encounter unique risks when preparing or administering chemotherapy agents, which pose both acute and long-term toxic effects.
Health Consequences
The impact of liquid splashes extends beyond mere inconvenience. Blood and body fluid splashes can transmit bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, particularly through contact with the eyes or broken skin. Chemical splashes, including disinfectants or cytotoxic drugs, may cause burns, corneal injury, or systemic toxicity. Beyond the physical risks, healthcare workers often experience psychological stress and anxiety following exposure, especially when awaiting test results for potential infections. Repeated, unprotected exposures compound these risks, reinforcing the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
Protective Measures
Standard precautions remain the cornerstone of preventing liquid splash exposure. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, face shields, gloves, and fluid-resistant gowns are essential. Engineering controls, like closed IV systems and splash-proof devices, further reduce risks. However, gaps persist in compliance, availability, and practicality. For example, eyewear is often neglected due to fogging or discomfort, while disposable gowns may not always be worn for routine care tasks, leaving workers vulnerable to unexpected splashes.
Splash-Resistant Fabrics in Medical Uniforms
A growing area of focus is the integration of splash-resistant fabrics into medical uniforms. Traditional scrubs are typically made from absorbent cotton or polyester blends, which quickly soak through upon contact with liquids, exposing the skin beneath. By contrast, scrubs treated with advanced eco-friendly repellents, such as BIONIC-FINISH® ECO, provide a durable water- and soil-repellent layer that prevents liquids from penetrating the fabric. This feature offers several practical benefits. First, it enhances everyday protection for staff working in high-risk areas without requiring extra disposable gowns for routine tasks. Second, it improves comfort and compliance, as splash-resistant scrubs are lightweight, breathable, and suitable for all-day wear. Third, they contribute to sustainability by reducing reliance on single-use, plastic-coated garments, aligning with healthcare’s broader goals of environmental responsibility. Importantly, splash-resistant scrubs are not a replacement for PPE during high-risk procedures, but rather a complementary measure that strengthens the baseline level of protection for all healthcare staff.
Conclusion
Liquid splashes are a common and often underestimated form of occupational exposure in healthcare, capable of causing infection, injury, and psychological distress. Underreporting and gaps in protective practices leave many workers inadequately shielded against these risks. While PPE and engineering controls remain vital, integrating splash-resistant fabrics into standard medical uniforms represents a practical and necessary step forward. Such uniforms provide reliable everyday protection, enhance worker confidence, and support sustainability goals, making them an essential component of modern occupational safety strategies. By recognizing and addressing the risks of liquid splashes, healthcare systems can better safeguard the professionals who dedicate themselves to patient care.
