Uniforms can be source of bacterial infection

摘要

Soft surface textiles are significant sources of bacterial contamination in healthcare settings, with 63% of doctor and nurse uniforms testing positive for pathogenic organisms, including those that are multi-drug resistant (11%), a new study has found. The study was conducted by the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem and looked at 238 samples from 135 of its hospital personnel: 60 (45%) doctors and 75 (55%) nurses. The results are published in the American Journal of Infection Control (Vol. 39 No. 7 pps 555-559). The study also cited the lack of standardised protocols for laundering of uniforms. Forty per cent of participants laundered their uniforms at home and just 58% said they changed their uniform every day.