Bacterial ecology of hospital workers' facial hair: a cross-sectional study

Clinical Issues—November 2019

“…In this study, male hospital workers with facial hair did not harbor more potentially concerning bacteria than clean‐shaven workers. Bacterial colonization rates were similar overall between the two groups; however, clean‐shaven workers were significantly more likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus —including methicillin‐resistant S aureus —from lip and cheek swabs …”

“…The second study compared facial bacterial colonization rates among 408 male health care workers with and without facial hair . In this study, male hospital workers with facial hair did not harbor more potentially concerning bacteria than clean‐shaven workers.…”

Guideline for surgical attire

“…It should be noted that covering the ears may prevent earrings worn by scrubbed team members from falling into the sterile field, but also is associated with such harms as impeding hearing, team communication, and use of stethoscopes. Based on studies that demonstrated that beards can be a source of bacterial organisms, they should be covered when entering restricted areas and while preparing and packaging items in the clean assembly section of the sterile processing area…”

Clinical Issues‐September 2015

“…In a quasi‐experimental study, Wakeam et al 3 investigated the facial bacterial shedding of 408 health care workers: 199 with facial hair and 209 without facial hair. Each subject rubbed his or her cheek using a sterile culture swab while holding a blood agar Petri dish 30 cm below the face.…”