Could Your Clothes Make Someone Sick? -- by Lisa Hayden Espendschade

A recent article in The New York Times discussed one of the unsolved mysteries of infection prevention: are pathogens on providers’ clothing capable of infecting anyone?

 

Tara Parker-Pope’s article - "The Doctor's Hands Are Germ-Free.  The Scrubs Too?" – cites evidence showing clothing can carry pathogens, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

 

One study, conducted in 2004 at New York Hospital Queens,showed doctors’ neckties are particularly hospitable to bacteria. Parker-Pope also mentions European efforts to limit the potential for providers’ apparel to gather germs: the British National Health Service banned neckties and long sleeves, and some European hospitals require clothing changes before and after work.

 

Even without solid proof that clothing-borne pathogens cause illness, researchers are working on antibacterial fabrics. Scientists in South Dakota, for example, are creating antibacterial Kevlar cloth. Until such materials become available, here are simple ways health care workers can reduce risks of harboring pathogens on clothes:

• Follow rules against wearing scrubs, lab coats, or other “work” clothes outside the office or hospital.

• Adopt the British National Health Service’s ban on ties, long sleeves, and jewelry.

• Clean your name tag or lanyard regularly. Researchers at the Monash Medical Center in Melbourne, Australia, found pathogens, including seven instances of MRSA, on 45 lanyards or badges worn by 71 doctor and nurses.

• Adhere to isolation precaution guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control: don and remove gowns and other protective clothing properly.

• Commit to observing strict hand hygiene procedures: hand washing is one of the most effective methods for preventing infection.

Lisa Hayden Espenschade is a freelance writer based in Scarborough Maine who has written on genomics, gene therapy, stem cells, and other drug discovery topics, as well as other biotechnology issues.

 

There is additional information on MRSA and hand hygiene on Patient Safety Focus.

 

Interested in submitting content to PatientSafetyFocus.com? Please go here to learn more.