Antimicrobial Scrubs Can Reduce Spread of Bacteria
Antimicrobial Scrubs Can Reduce Spread of Bacteria Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have determined that wearing antimicrobial impregnated scrubs, coupled with good hand hygiene, can reduce the spread of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In a study published in
Antimicrobial Scrubs Can Reduce Spread of Bacteria
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have determined that wearing antimicrobial-impregnated scrubs, coupled with good hand hygiene, can reduce the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In a study published in the March issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, a team led by Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH—associate professor of internal medicine in the VCU School of Medicine and associate hospital epidemiologist at VCU Medical Center—followed 32 health care workers in a hospital setting for 4 months.
The subjects wore control and antimicrobial scrubs that were washed regularly. Participants were tutored in hand hygiene methods every 4 weeks, with researchers observing compliance with hand hygiene practices. During weekly, unannounced inspections over the course of 4 months, garment cultures were collected from the scrub’s abdominal area and cargo pocket—two areas known for high bacteria colonization. Researchers also collected hand cultures from participants.
Examination of the collected specimens revealed that while the scrubs had no impact on the degree of MRSA present on participants’ hands, the antimicrobial scrubs did reduce the MRSA burden on their apparel. It was also discovered that while antimicrobial scrubs diminished the burden of MRSA, the presence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Gram-negative rod was unchanged.
While further study is needed, this analysis led researchers to conclude, “It is critical for health care workers and patients to understand that the environment—including inanimate surfaces and apparel— is not sterile,” Bearman stated, citing that, “Meticulous hand hygiene at the point of patient care is critical for reducing the risk of a hospital-acquired infection.”
