Operating Room Airborne Microbial Load: Nonscrubbed Staff Apparel Matters.

BACKGROUND: Infection is a leading cause of total joint arthroplasty failure. In previous studies, we found correlations between the level of contamination, concentrations of airborne particles, and the number of staff present. In this study, we focused on the apparel of nonscrubbed operating room (OR) staff to elucidate their contribution to the airborne microbial load. METHODS: We compared hospital-laundered scrubs to disposable coveralls using 2 methods. (1) Participants entered an isolation chamber with a controlled environment and completed tasks for 1 hour wearing both the approved and alternative OR attire. Settle plates collected viable contaminants that were shed by the participants during testing. (2) Lab members conducted standardized maneuvers in a functional OR that simulated typical movements of the nurse, anesthesiologist, implant representative, and entering/exiting staff. An airborne particle counter and settle plates were positioned throughout the OR. After 1 hour, the staff changed apparel and repeated the test. Each session of both phases consisted of 2 tests by the same individuals on the same day. RESULTS: There was approximately a 10-fold difference in the settlement rate of viable particles between groups when employing the isolation chamber. The settle rate for scrubs was 5,519 ± 1,381 colony forming units (CFUs)/m2/h, while the settle rate for coveralls was 505 ± 55 CFUs/m2/h (P = .008). During testing in the OR, 218.7 ± 35 CFUs/m2/h were captured for scrubs, compared with 50.5 ± 13 CFUs/m2/h for the coverall (P < .01). The concentration of airborne particles collected for scrubs was 4,952.1 ± 495 particles/m3 and 1,065 ± 53 particles/m3 for the coveralls (P < .01). This was a 77% and 79% reduction for both measures, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The open nature of standard scrubs allows contaminated particles to escape into the OR environment, whereas the one-piece design of the coveralls restricts pathways of escape. The results of this study may be helpful when developing hospital infection prevention policies.

Optimizing Contact Precautions to Curb the Spread of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in Hospitals: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Identify Patient Characteristics and Healthcare Personnel Interactions Associated With Transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare personnel (HCP) acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their gloves and gowns when caring for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Yet, contact precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains controversial despite existing guidelines. We sought to understand which patients are more likely to transfer MRSA to HCP and to identify which HCP interactions are more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study of cultured HCP gloves and gowns for MRSA. Samples were obtained from patients' anterior nares, perianal area, and skin of the chest and arm to assess bacterial burden. RESULTS: Among 402 MRSA-colonized patients with 3982 interactions, we found that HCP gloves and gowns were contaminated with MRSA 14.3% and 5.9% of the time, respectively. Contamination of either gloves or gowns occurred in 16.2% of interactions. Contamination was highest among occupational/physical therapists (odds ratio [OR], 6.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.51, 13.79), respiratory therapists (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.04, 9.39), and when any HCP touched the patient (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.04, 6.51). Touching the endotracheal tube (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.38, 2.19), bedding (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.20, 1.70), and bathing (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.75) increased the odds of contamination. We found an association between increasing bacterial burden on the patient and HCP glove or gown contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with MRSA in the ICU. Hospitals may consider using fewer precautions for low-risk interactions and more for high-risk interactions and personnel.

Development and Validation of a Clinical Prediction Rule to Predict Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nursing Homes.

The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization among nursing home residents is high. Health-care workers (HCWs) often serve as a vector in MRSA transmission. The ability to identify residents who are likely to transmit MRSA to HCWs' hands and clothing during clinical care is important so that infection control measures, such as Contact Precautions, can be employed. Using data on demographic and clinical characteristics collected from residents of community nursing homes in Maryland and Michigan between 2012 and 2014, we developed a clinical prediction rule predicting the probability of MRSA transmission to HCWs' gowns. We externally validated this model in a cohort of Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home residents from 7 states between 2012 and 2016. The prediction model, which included sex, race, resident dependency on HCWs for care, the presence of any medical device, diabetes mellitus, and chronic skin breakdown, showed good performance (C statistic = 0.70; sensitivity = 76%, specificity = 49%) in the development set. The decision curve analysis indicated that this model has greater clinical utility than use of a nares surveillance culture for MRSA colonization, which is current clinical practice for placing hospital inpatients on Contact Precautions. The prediction rule demonstrated less utility in the validation cohort, suggesting that a separate rule should be developed for residents of Veterans Affairs nursing homes.

Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from white coats of health university students.

This study aimed at detecting Staphylococcus aureus from white coats of college students and characterizing antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production. Bacterial samples (n = 300) were obtained from white coats of 100 college students from August 2015 to March 2017 S. aureus was isolated and it´s resistance profile was assessed by antimicrobial disk-diffusion technique, screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), detection of mecA gene by PCR, and determination of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) by multiplex PCR. Congo red agar (CRA) and icaA and icaD genes by PCR were used for biofilm characterization. S. aureus was identified in 45.0% of samples. Resistance of S. aureus sample to antimicrobial was seen for penicillin (72.59%), erythromycin (51.85%), cefoxitin (20.74%), oxacillin (17.04%), clindamycin (14.81%) and levofloxacin (5.18%). MRSA was detected in 53.3% of the samples with SCCmec I (52.8%), SCCmec III (25%) and SCCmec IV (11.1%). Biofilm production was observed in 94.0% S. aureus samples. These data show that biosafety measures need to be enhanced in order to prevent dissemination of multiresistant and highly adhesive bacteria across other university settings, relatives, and close persons.

Transmission of Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria to Health Care Worker Gowns and Gloves during Care of Nursing Home Residents in Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers.

The objectives of the study were to estimate the risk of transmission of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (RGNB) to gowns and gloves (G&G) worn by health care workers (HCWs) when providing care to nursing home residents and to identify the types of care and resident characteristics associated with transmission. A multicenter, prospective observational study was conducted with residents and HCWs from Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes. Perianal swabs to detect RGNB were collected from residents. HCWs wore G&G during usual care activities, and the G&G were swabbed at the end of the interaction in a standardized manner. Transmission of RGNB from a colonized resident to G&G by type of care was measured. Odds ratios (ORs) associated with type of care or resident characteristics were estimated. Fifty-seven (31%) of 185 enrolled residents were colonized with ≥1 RGNB. RGNB transmission to HCW gloves or gowns occurred during 9% of the interactions (n = 905): 7% to only gloves and 2% to only gowns. Bathing the resident and providing hygiene and toilet assistance were associated with a high risk of transmission. Glucose monitoring and assistance with feeding or medication were associated with a low risk of transmission. In addition, antibiotic use by the resident was strongly associated with greater transmission (OR, 2.51; P < 0.01). RGNB were transferred to HCWs during ∼9% of visits. High-risk types of care were identified for which use of G&G may be prioritized. Antibiotic use was associated with 2.5 times greater risk of transmission, emphasizing the importance of antibiotic stewardship. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01350479.).

Bacterial contamination of medical uniforms: a cross-sectional study from Suzhou city, China.

Few studies have been conducted which evaluate the prevalence of contamination of medical uniforms in China. The present study was designed to explore the characteristics of uniform contamination and associated factors. A total of 120 participants were enrolled in the study and 122 uniforms were sampled. Each uniform was sampled at three different sites to determine the colonisation of microorganisms. A total of 366 swab samples were cultured; 294 (80.3%) samples yielded various microorganisms and 75(61.5%) uniforms were contaminated with bacteria. The uniforms of medical students had the highest prevalence of contamination. The cuffs of uniforms were the most easily infected with bacteria. Participants who wiped their hands at the back of uniforms had higher contamination rate in the hanging part of uniforms. Our study demonstrated that medical uniforms can harbour microorganisms. Proper handling of medical uniforms and adequate education to medical staffs are required to decrease healthcare-associated infections.

Surveillance of microbiological contamination and correct use of protective lead garments.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare associated infections are an important threat of Public Health. Several studies investigated the possible role played by the hospital environment in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens. In addition to the "classic" nosocomial surfaces, some researches focused their attention on "alternative" surfaces. Little is known about the protective lead garments used in operating rooms. STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted in three phases to investigate the microbiological contamination and the normal use of these garments. In the first step, we administered a questionnaire to know the frequency and the type of sanitation. Then, in the second step, we conducted the microbiological samplings and, finally, in the third step, we carried out a surveillance on the use of these garments during the surgical procedures. METHODS: In the first step, we administered the questionnaire through direct interview. For microbiological sampling we used sterile swabs, the normal growth media and the API Identification System (bioMérieux). RESULTS: The study showed that the garments are sanitized only in 66.7% of the cases with a non-defined frequency. Moreover, a bacterial contamination was found on 88 garments with a positivity of 80.7% and the units with the higher rate of contamination were Urology, Orthopedics, Neuroradiology and Intensive Cardiac Care. Finally, 100% of the surgical team members wore sterile disposable shirts above the protective lead garments while this was never true for the rest of the nursing and anaesthesia team. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent the contamination of these garments, it is important to develop appropriate sanitation procedures and to store them in special cabinets also subjected to sanitation. Finally, it is necessary to focus on the correct use of the protective lead garments.

The Gown-glove Interface Is a Source of Contamination: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The original Charnley-type negative-pressure body exhaust suit reduced infection rates in randomized trials of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) decades ago. However, modern positive-pressure surgical helmet systems have not shown similar benefit, and several recent studies have raised the question of whether these gowning systems result in increased wound contamination and infections. The gown-glove interface may be one source of particle contamination. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to compare particle contamination at the gown-glove interface in several modern surgical helmet systems and conventional surgical gowns. METHODS: A 5-µm fluorescent powder was evenly applied to both hands to the level of the wrist flexion crease. After gowning in the standard fashion, the acting surgeon performed a 20-minute simulated TJA protocol. Each of the five gowning systems was run through five trials. The amount of gown contamination at the gown-glove interface then was measured by three observers under ultraviolet light using a grading scale from 0 (no contamination) to 4 (gross contamination). Statistical analysis was carried out with Minitab 15. Friedman's test was used to compare the levels of contamination across trials for each gown and the Mann-Whitney test was used post hoc to perform a pairwise comparison of each gown. RESULTS: All gown-glove interfaces showed some contamination. Friedman's test showed that there was a significant difference in contamination between gowns (p = 0.029). The Stryker T5 Zipper Toga system showed more contamination than the other gowns. The median contamination score and range for each gowning setup was 1.8 (range, 1-4; conventional Kimberly-Clark MicroCool gown without helmet), 4 (range, 3-4; Stryker T5 Zipper Toga), 3.6 (range, 0-4; Stryker helmet with conventional gown), 1.6 (range, 0-2; Stryker Flyte Toga), and 3.0 (range, 2-3; DePuy Toga). A Mann-Whitney test found no difference among any of the gowns except for the Stryker T5 Zipper Toga, which showed more contamination compared directly with each of the other four gowns (p < 0.001 for each gown-to-gown comparison). CONCLUSIONS: Particle contamination occurs at the gown-glove interface in most commonly used positive-pressure surgical helmet systems. The Stryker T5 Zipper Toga exhibited more contamination than each of the other gowning systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The gown-glove interface is prone to particle contamination and all surgeons should be aware of this area as a potential source of surgical site infection. Although future studies are needed to clarify the link between particle contamination through this route and clinical infection, surgeons should consider using gowning systems that minimize the migration of fomites through the gown-glove interface.

Bacterial contamination of surgical scrub suits worn outside the operating theatre: a randomised crossover study.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bacterial contamination of surgical scrub suits worn outside the operating theatre. We randomised 16 anaesthetists on separate occasions into one of 3 groups: restricted to the operating theatre only; theatre and surgical wards; and theatre and departmental office. For each group, sample fabric pieces attached to the chest, waist and hip areas of each suit were removed at 150 min intervals between 08:30 and 16:00 on the day of study, and sent for microbiological assessment. Mean bacterial counts increased significantly over the course of the working day (p = 0.036), and were lower in the chest compared to the hip (p = 0.007) and waist areas (p = 0.016). The mean (SD) bacterial counts, expressed as colony-forming units per cm(2) at 16:00 on the day of study, were 25.2 (43.5) for those restricted to theatre and 18.5 (25.9) and 17.9 (31.0) for those allowed out to visit the ward and office, respectively (p = 0.370). We conclude that visits to ward and office did not significantly increase bacterial contamination of scrub suits.

Surgical gowns as a safety barrier under non-standard environmental conditions.

In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate whether surgical gowns become contaminated during surgery. Samples from the gowns of five surgeons during 19 surgeries were collected using sterile swabs in circular standard delimited areas on both wrists and the mid-chest at three time-points: immediately before surgical incision (t=0), 30 min (t=30), and 60 min (t=60) later. Additionally, at t=0 and t=60, three settle plates of plate count agar were positioned at 1.5 m from the ground and remained open for 20 min. The operating room temperature and relative humidity were monitored. The swabs were cultivated and incubated, and colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) counts were measured. The CFU/g counts for bacteria or fungi did not differ among the three sampling sites. The surgeons' lateral dominance in manual dexterity did not influence the gowns' contamination. There were significant variations in the temperature and relative humidity over time, but not in the CFU/g counts. In conclusion, during the first hour of surgery, surgical gowns did not become a source of contamination and are an effective barrier against bacterial and fungal contamination even under non-standard surgical environmental conditions.

An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils.

Lab coats are widely used in biohazard laboratories and healthcare facilities as protective garments to prevent direct exposure to pathogens, spills, and burns. These cotton-based protective coats provide ideal conditions for microbial growth and attachment sites due to their porous nature, moisture-holding capacity, and retention of warmth from the user's body. Several studies have demonstrated the survival of pathogenic bacteria on hospital garments and lab coats, acting as vectors of microbial transmission. A common approach to fix these problems is the application of antimicrobial agents in textile finishing, but concerns have been raised due to the toxicity and environmental effects of many synthetic chemicals. The ongoing pandemic has also opened a window for the investigation of effective antimicrobials and eco-friendly and toxic-free formulations. This study uses two natural bioactive compounds, carvacrol and thymol, encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, which guarantee effective protection against four human pathogens with up to a 4-log reduction (99.99%). These pathogens are frequently detected in lab coats used in biohazard laboratories. The treated fabrics also resisted up to 10 wash cycles with 90% microbial reduction, which is sufficient for the intended use. We made modifications to the existing standard fabric tests to better represent the typical scenarios of lab coat usage. These refinements allow for a more accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of antimicrobial lab coats and for the simulation of the fate of any accidental microbial spills that must be neutralized within a short time. Further studies are recommended to investigate the accumulation of pathogens over time on antimicrobial lab coats compared to regular protective coats.

Transfer of multidrug-resistant bacteria to healthcare workers' gloves and gowns after patient contact increases with environmental contamination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of environmental contamination in the transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria to healthcare workers' clothing. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Six intensive care units at a tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS: Healthcare workers including registered nurses, patient care technicians, respiratory therapists, occupational/physical therapists, and physicians. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred twenty of 585 (20.5%) healthcare worker/patient interactions resulted in contamination of healthcare workers' gloves or gowns. Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii contamination occurred most frequently, 55 of 167 observations (32.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 25.8% to 40.0%), followed by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 15 of 86 (17.4%; 95% CI 9.4% to 25.4%), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, 25 of 180 (13.9%, 95% CI 8.9, 18.9%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 21 of 152 (13.8%; 95% CI 8.3% to 19.2%). Independent risk factors associated with healthcare worker contamination with multidrug-resistant bacteria were positive environmental cultures (odds ratio [OR] 4.2; 95% CI 2.7-6.5), duration in room for >5 mins (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4), performing physical examinations (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.8), and contact with the ventilator (OR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis determined that 91% of healthcare worker isolates were related to an environmental or patient isolate. CONCLUSIONS: The contamination of healthcare workers' protective clothing during routine care of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms is most frequent with A. baumannii. Environmental contamination was the major determinant of transmission to healthcare workers' gloves or gowns. Compliance with contact precautions and more aggressive environmental cleaning may decrease transmission.

[The evaluation of bacteria penetration by medical textiles for multiple use and disposable multilayer surgical drapes, according to the PN-EN ISO 22610 standard]. / Badanie przenikania bakterii przez tkaniny medyczne przeznaczone do wielokrotnego uzycia oraz wielowarstwowe oblozenia chirurgiczne jednorazowego uzytku, wedlug normy PN-EN ISO 22610.

INTRODUCTION: Cotton as well as synthetic textile medical products are widely used as barrier materials and individual protection against displacement of biological infectious factors. The required level of protection of these products for multiple use and disposable multilayer laminates against the penetration of microbes depends on the risk connected with type of surgical procedure defined in normative documents. METHODS. Cotton and syntetic medical textiles for multiple use, 30-times subjected to processes simulating conditions of the use as well as disposable multilayer surgical drapes were tested. Resistance to microbial wet penetration was conducted according to the PN-EN ISO 22610: 2007 standard. RESULTS: The barrier of cotton fabrics was reduced after first washing and then systematically grew after each often cycles to the value close to the value at the beginning. From the twentieth cycle of simulated conditions of the use, barrier index was reduced. The barrier of the synthetic textile stayed on the average level, while multilayer disposable products ensured the full impermeability for the bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Natural cotton textiles for multiple use could be apply on operative blocks in limited range because of the changes of the cotton structure caused by repeated laundering process and sterilization. Synthetic materials also have limited application, although are more resistant to cleaning and sterilization processes. Disposable synthetic laminates with many layers use guarantee impermeability for bacteria and may be applied in operative blocks without restrictions.

Sterility of the personal protection system in total joint arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria shed by operating room personnel is a source of wound contamination and postoperative infections. The personal protection system (PPS) was designed to decrease airborne bacteria and intraoperative contamination in total joint arthroplasty. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the microbial contamination rate of the PPS and incidence of contamination with key pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated PPS contamination in 61 primary THAs and 41 TKAs. The PPS were assumed to be sterile before opening the packs. The initial culture was taken immediately after the hood was placed over the helmet. Four cultures were collected at the conclusion of the procedure. Plates were examined and colonies were classified according to Gram stain results and biochemical tests. S. aureus was classified as methicillin-resistant or -susceptible. RESULTS: At time zero, 22 of 102 cultures isolated an organism, accounting for a contamination rate of 22%. The bacterial contamination rate of the PPS at the conclusion of the procedure was 47% (48 of 102). The relative percentage of the various organisms found was coagulase-negative staphylococci 50%, Micrococcus sp. 20%, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus 11%, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The external surface of the PPS cannot be assumed to be sterile after its removal from the original packaging. Of all the PPS studied, the potential pathogens coagulase-negative staphylococcus, S. aureus, and MRSA were found in 43%. This study supports the need to change gloves if the PPS is touched or adjusted during the procedure.

Microbial Contamination Risk and Disinfection of Radiation Protective Garments.

ABSTRACT: Healthcare-associated infections are a major public health concern for both patients and medical personnel. This has taken on greater urgency during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Radiation Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) may contribute to risks of microbial contamination. This possibility was tested in 61 personal or shared-use lead aprons and thyroid collars at Columbia Presbyterian Irving Medical Center. Fifty percent tested positive for either bacterial or fungal contamination, mostly around the neckline of lead vests and thyroid collars. Repeated testing of garments some weeks to months later confirmed continued presence of microbial contamination. The possibility that hospital-approved disinfection agents could degrade the radio-protective features of these garments was also examined. Samples of identical construction to garments in regular use were subjected to either daily or weekly wipes with hypochlorite or alcohol-based hospital-approved cleaning agents for 6 mo. A third group of samples was maintained in contact with the cleaning agents for 6 mo. All samples were fluoroscoped four times during the study. None demonstrated any degradation in radioprotection. All samples were photographed monthly. Physical degradation of the outer plastic covering by concentrated hypochlorite and limited mechanical damage around stitched seams of the samples cleaned daily with alcohol was noted. Based on the high prevalence of microbial contamination, regular cleaning and disinfection protocols should be implemented. Regular cleaning with medical-facility-approved cleaning and disinfecting agents is likely to be effective at reducing the microbial load and unlikely to result in significant reduction in radioprotective properties of these garments.

Operating Room and Hospital Air Environment.

One method of preventing surgical-site infection is lowering intraoperative environmental contamination. The authors sought to evaluate their hospital's operating room (OR) contamination rate and compare it with the remainder of the hospital. They tested environmental contamination in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings for a total joint arthroplasty patient. A total of 190 air settle plates composed of trypsin soy agar were placed in 19 settings within the hospital. Locations included the OR with light and heavy traffic, with and without masks, jackets, and shoe covers; the substerile room; OR hallways; the sterile equipment processing center; preoperative areas; post-anesthesia care units; orthopedic floors; the emergency department; OR locker rooms and restrooms; a resident's home; and controls. The trypsin soy agar plates were incubated at 36 °C for 48 hours. Colony counts were performed for each plate. Average colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated in each setting. The highest CFUs were in the OR locker room, at 28 CFUs per plate per hour. Preoperative and post-anesthesia care unit holding areas were 7.4 CFUs and 9.6 CFUs, respectively. The main orthopedic surgical ward had 10.0 CFUs per plate per hour, whereas the VIP hospital ward had 17.0 CFUs per plate per hour. All OR environments had low CFUs. A live OR had slightly higher CFUs than settings without OR personnel. In comparison with the local community household, the OR locker room, restrooms, hospital orthopedic wards, emergency department, preoperative holding, post-anesthesia care unit, and OR hallway all had higher airborne contamination. On the basis of these results, the authors recommend environmental sampling as a simple, fast, inexpensive tool for monitoring airborne contamination. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):e414-e416.].

[The estimation of penetrating of microbes by the protective clothing and textile medical devices, according to obligatory norms]. / Ocena, wedlug obowiazuj4cych norm, przenikania drobnoustrojów przez odziez ochronna i tkaniny medyczne.

Textile medical products can be widely used as barrier materials and individual protection against biological threats. Rules of introducing such products to market are regulated by the Directive 93/42/ EEC. Detailed requirements and testing methods of textile medical products are presented in obligatory norms. The required level of protection of these products against the penetration of microbes depends on the risk connected with planned type surgical procedure, the duration of the surgical intervention, risks of bleeding or presences of other body liquids of the patient and susceptibilities of the patient to infection. The aim of the study was to establish resistance of medical textiles to wet bacterial penetration. Materials were examined by the apparatus dedicated to this type of testing and obtained results were rated with reference to obligatory contracted requirements. assured Textiles laminated with foils possessed best protective proprieties, whereas medical products made from the cotton do not provide the sufficient level of the protection against microbes.

Scrubs contamination, domestic laundry effect and workwear habits of clinical staff at a referral hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine contamination rates of scrub suits worn by veterinary surgeons and nurses following a single shift. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional preliminary study at a UK small animal referral centre. Sterilised scrub suits were distributed to veterinary surgeons (n = 9) and nurses (n = 9) at the beginning of their clinical shift and worn for at least 8 hours. They were then analysed for bacterial contamination before and after home laundry at 30°C. A questionnaire was distributed to hospital clinical staff regarding workwear habits. RESULTS: Median bacterial counts were 47 (interquartile range: 14 to 162) and 7 (interquartile range: 0 to 27) colony forming units per cm2 before and after laundering scrub suits. Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus sp., Enterococcus sp., Escherichia coli , Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Micrococcus sp., ß-haemolytic Streptococci and a Group G Streptococcus. From 101 staff surveyed, 64.0% reported wearing fresh, clean scrub tops and 58.4% fresh, clean trousers each day, while 64.4% left the workplace wearing the same clothing in which they undertook clinical work. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Workwear contamination risks spread of pathogens into the community and personnel compliance with workplace guidelines warrants further attention. Home laundry at 30°C significantly decreases, but does not eliminate, the bacterial burden after a single shift.