Dear Colin,

The risk is very real as most people's skin may look intact persay but
there are many tiny cuts and injuries that go unnoticed which are potential
areas for infection with Aids, hepatitis or TB which are carried by unfixed
fresh tissues and can actually live (with the exception of Aids) on that
tissue for quite some time. I am not sure of the national numbers but I
personally know of three technicians that were exposed to and contracted
Hepatitis via performing frozen sections without gloves. I also have heard
of cases of TB being contracted via frozens. Besides; gloves, other
personal protective equipment and proper disinfection of the area are also
required when you are a CAP (College of American Pathologists) or JCAHO
(Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals) or OSHA (Occupational
Safety and Health Standards for General Industry) regulated laboratory
which most labs in the USA are regulated by one or all of these regulatory
bodies.

I hope this is helpful in understanding why it is important to wear gloves
during this procedure.

Sincerely,
Lynn Gardner, HT(ASCP)