Original article
Contamination of protective clothing and nurses' uniforms in an isolation ward

https://doi.org/10.1016/0195-6701(83)90044-0Get rights and content

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus was frequently isolated, usually in small numbers, from cotton gowns (12·6 per cent), plastic aprons (9·2 per cent) and nurses' uniforms (15 per cent). Gram-negative bacilli were infrequently isolated. Contamination of the protective clothing did not increase when used over periods of up to 11 days. Fewer organisms were recovered from the front of nurses' uniforms when plastic aprons instead of gowns were worn, but gowns provided better shoulder protection. However, no differences were observed in isolations of Staph. aureus or Gram-negative bacilli from these sites.

References (9)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (61)

  • Prevention and control of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: Recommendations from a Joint Working Party

    2016, Journal of Hospital Infection
    Citation Excerpt :

    Studies have evaluated interventions that have included the use of gloves and gowns or aprons as an element of contact precautions.137,217,223,224 Hands and uniforms (or gloves and gowns or aprons if worn) can become contaminated with MDR organisms.126,127,225–230 The use of gloves is an essential part of prevention of transmission of infection, and the evidence has been reviewed elsewhere.176

  • Role of healthcare apparel and other healthcare textiles in the transmission of pathogens: A review of the literature

    2015, Journal of Hospital Infection
    Citation Excerpt :

    Experts believe that textiles (i.e. curtains, upholstery, apparel, etc.) play an important role in the acquisition and transmission of pathogens in healthcare.23–29 HCWs' apparel is a vehicle for cross-contamination and transmission of MDROs.30–48 Contaminated soft surfaces make an important contribution to the epidemic and endemic transmission of Clostridium difficile, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), MRSA, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and norovirus.49–61

  • Epic3: National evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in nhs hospitals in england

    2014, Journal of Hospital Infection
    Citation Excerpt :

    We identified a systematic review of the evidence that microbial contaminants found on the work clothing of healthcare practitioners are a significant factor in cases of HCAI.136 The reviewers identified seven small-scale studies that described the progressive contamination of work clothing during clinical care, and a further three studies that suggested a link with microbial contamination and infection.17,160–169 One of the three studies was conducted in a simulated scenario and demonstrated that it was possible to transfer S. aureus from nurses' gowns to patients' bed sheets, but this was not associated with clinical infection.167

View all citing articles on Scopus
View full text