Previous studies show that healthcare provider clothing is a potential source of pathogenic bacterial transmission in the facilities in which they work and more recent research on the subject supports the hypothesis. Horizontal transmission of bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), remains an important concern in hospitals worldwide, suggested the authors of the study, published this month in American Journal of Infection Control.
Twenty-two articles were included in the review with results organized by microbial contaminants, antibiotic resistance, types of providers, fabric type, antimicrobial coating, and laundering practices. Provider attire was commonly colonized by MDROs, wrote the researchers, with white coats laundered less frequently than scrubs. There were also substantial variances among the types of fabrics used and laundering processes. Specific findings include:
- White coats are laundered much less frequently than surgical scrubs.
- White coats and scrubs are commonly colonized with multidrug resistant organisms.
- Data regarding contamination based on fabric type are variable in findings.
- Scrubs impregnated with antimicrobial substances can potentially reduce contamination.
- Laundering practices have a varying degree of efficacy in reducing contamination.
Access the abstract here.
