Masks, barriers, laundering, and gloving: Where is the evidence?

Surgical Site Infection in Elective Operations for Colorectal Cancer After the Application of Preventive Measures

“…On closing the laparotomy, gowns and gloves were changed, a new table was used with specific surgical material (needle holders, forceps, and separators), and a clean, dry field was obtained with use of new sterile drapes. 27,28 The surgical wound was washed with 500 mL of normal saline before skin closure. 29 Measures were applied to achieve normothermia (Ϸ36.6°C) during the procedure and for 3 to 6 hours after the operation 30 ; body temperature was measured with an esophageal probe.…”

Protection Provided by Clothing and Textiles Against Potential Hazards in the Operating Theatre

“…The questions then are, can this be satisfactorily achieved, and can it be achieved for all product types? A theoretical rationale is considered by some to be insufficient defence for a practice such as laundering of scrub clothing (e.g., Belkin [31]). Much of scrub clothing is made from polyester/cotton blends or 100% polyester fabrics, so use of high water temperatures and chlorine bleaches, generally effective in disinfection, are not possible.…”

Letters to the Editor

“…There is no way to ascertain how many health care facilities require or permit their OR personnel to launder their scrub attire at home, but the fact is that it is widely being done. If any one of those facilities requiring home laundering had experienced evidence that the practice was in any way, shape, or form detrimental to either the welfare of patients or to the home environment of health care personnel, it would have been made known long ago 7 . This record speaks for itself.…”