Pathogens on Health Care Workers Clothing is a Big Issue

According to a newly published article in the American Journal of Infection Control on the pathogens found in scrubs and uniforms worn by health care workers in Jerusalem, there is cause for concern. In one study there were pathogens, potentially dangerous ones, isolated in 63 percent of the uniforms tested.

Pathogen Exposure and Risks

What is the problem, and what are the risks? Let’s start with the risk. Exposure to pathogens by patients who may likely have compromised immune systems. Exposure to open wounds is another concern.

What is the cause, why do over half those uniform tested infected with harmful pathogens? Proper cleaning is one possibility, and more stringent guidelines should be followed, including providing hospital laundry services to assure proper cleaning. Another possible concern is health care workers wearing scrubs outside of the hospital or care facility. It is vital that exposure be limited, both inside the care facility and outside.
of concern are sleeves and pockets, and have been targeted as the focal point of other studies.

It’s not just scrubs and uniforms that are a problem. Jewelry, neckties and scarves, and rings can all catch pathogens that can then be passed onto patients.

How The Risk of Pathogens on Clothing Increases

Are these colonies of bacteria and other pathogens that are found on uniforms a sign of poor hand washing? In some cases it is a question of hygiene. But contamination is also attributed to the length of time that the clothing is used, with a healthy decrease of bacteria count for a uniform used one day instead of two.

We are exposed to pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi, such as Candida yeast, every day. Our best defense is to build a healthier immune system through proper nutrition and support of our digestive flora.

Pathogens on Health Care Workers Clothing a Big Issue © 2011 VirusBacteriaStop.com.