Laundering of Theatre Scrubs at Home

Abstract

Infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant gram-positive bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), are a growing concern, particularly in units in which patients are immunosuppressed either intentionally (as for transplantation) or as a result of trauma (severe burns) or disease (such as acquired immunodeficiency disease) (Steinstraesser et al 2009). As more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, our ability to control the spread of these bacteria with antibiotic treatments decreases (Steinstraesser et al 2009).

Gordonia bronchialis Sternal Wound Infection in 3 Patients following Open Heart Surgery: Intraoperative Transmission from a Healthcare Worker

“…In order to safely launder scrubs at home and achieve low microbe levels, in addition to the timing and temperature of the washing machine, clothing should be dried immediately using the highest temperature possible for the fabric type. 8 Microbes are introduced in washing machines by dirty laundry, soil, human debris, or by insufficiently treated water. Biofilms formed in washing machines have been blamed for malodor but, until now, were felt not to be responsible for human disease.…”

Is It “In” to Wear Scrubs Out?

“…If HCP are required to home launder scrub attire, the employer should provide information to the employees regarding infection control and cleaning guidelines based on the processes performed in the facility laundry. 21 When home laundering is performed by a healthcare worker (HCW), Al-benna 28 recommends scrub attire should be:…”

“…Additionally, the individual should wash his/her hands after transferring the wet scrub attire from the washing machine to the dryer, and the lid or door of the washer should be disinfected prior to removing and transferring clean laundry to the dryer. 28 Guideline II Clean, freshly laundered scrub attire should be protected from contamination when transported from the HDO laundry or commercial laundry facility to the storage area.…”

Multiorganism Biofilms: A New Challenge for Ecto- and Endoprostheses

“…It is felt that the adherence step plays a role in the recidivism of biofilm infections, and why radical surgical debridement is often cited as a cornerstone of their effective management [16,17]. One of the other aspects that make biofilms so difficult to treat is the matrix within which they reside.…”