Focus: Infection Control

Bacteria stays on scrubs even with antibacterial fabrics

New research shows hospital scrubs can easily be contaminated


Scrubs can be contaminated with bacteria even with clothing made with antibacterial fabric, according to an article on the Fierce Healthcare website.

A study by Duke University Hospital tested whether the antimicrobial scrubs were effective in preventing bacteria contamination.

The forty nurses tested worked in medical and surgical intensive care units caring for one to two patients per shift. The nurses wore three different types of scrubs over three consecutive 12-hour shifts and researchers took a series of cultures from each nurse’s clothing, patients and the environment before and after each shift.

They found no differences in contamination based on the type of scrubs worn by the nurses. The most commonly transmitted bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA and methicillin susceptible S. aureus.

Read the article.

 

 

 

 



September 20, 2017


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.