Protecting the Health Care Worker: The Role of Medical Scrubs in Infection Prevention

Infection transmissions occur more frequently in hospitals and health care facilities. Health care workers risk getting infections because they interact with patients and in infection-active environments. The lack of robust control programs increases multidrug-resistant bacteria and disease outbreaks. Health care facility owners should encourage the use of protective gear such as scrubs to minimize the spread of infections. Medical scrubs are protective garments in pants and shirts that fit loosely but comfortably and are designed to prevent direct contact between fluids and your body.

Medical scrubs act as a barrier, separating a health care worker’s body from pathogens. As a crucial aspect of personal protective equipment, these garments protect the wearer against infections. They minimize threats by building an extra layer of protection to prevent direct contact with infectious agents.

How Medical Scrubs Safeguard Health Care Workers Against Infections

Medical scrubs are designed to prevent the spread of pathogens and infection agents. They accomplish this by creating a strong barrier between the wearer’s skin and germs. The fabric used to make many medical scrubs is tightly woven, which helps to trap pathogens and prevent them from coming into contact with your body.

Secondly, they absorb or repel fluids and pathogenic elements. Scrubs made with fluid-resistant and moisture-wicking fabrics can effortlessly resist the buildup of fluids or absorb them. For instance, they absorb body fluids and blood, stopping contact and transmission of harmful pathogens.

Thirdly, medical scrubs build a shield of defense against infections in intensive care units and hospitals. This minimizes cross-contamination risks, ensuring infectious agents aren’t transferred from one patient to another through contaminated surfaces.

Medical Scrubs Fabrics: Why They Matter

The secret to the longevity and usability of medical scrubs lies in the quality of the fabrics and craftsmanship. Health care settings require an exceptional level of cleanliness and sterilization. That means cleaning your scrubs regularly. For this reason, choose durable fabrics that withstand repeated washing and regular wear and tear. It should be machine-washable and easy to wash. A material that can withstand high heat is the best deal.

The fabric of medical scrubs should be breathable to prevent excessive sweating and discomfort. Additionally, the fabrics should be fluid-resistant to protect you against body fluids and blood. Polyester-cotton and similar blends have stood the test of time for their ability to withstand frequent disinfection and washing.

When shopping for scrub fabrics, look for those with superior antimicrobial properties, particularly those treated with copper and silver nanoparticles. Such materials can inhibit the growth of microorganisms and bacteria, reducing the transmission of infections.

Selecting Top-notch Scrubs for Infection Prevention: Things to Consider

Healthcare providers must work in safe environments that protect both patients and themselves, and preventing the spread of infection is crucial. Since health care workers interact with numerous patients daily, it’s essential to choose medical scrubs that meet the following requirements:

Fabric and Quality

The fabric of a scrub affects everything surrounding its cost, effectiveness, reliability, and durability. Choose quality fabrics that are woven for breathability and fluid resistance. The fabric should feature the latest moisture-wicking technology and potent antimicrobial coatings. Look for scrubs certified by organizations like the Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. All these features ensure a scrub meets the highest level of effectiveness in preventing the transmission of infections.

Care and Washing Requirements

Scrubs need to be washed frequently since they are worn every day. In fact, the scrub must be cleaned daily with hot water and a suitable detergent. Also, the drying happens in high temperatures since you need the outfit immediately. For this reason, look for a scrub that can withstand high temperatures, machine washing and drying, and stay clean all day.

Fitting and Comfort

You will use the scrub daily, so it is important to avoid uncomfortable and restrictive scrubs. However, the fit should be snug and comfortable; fitting medical scrubs should be avoided as they can be uncomfortable to wear all day and may lead to cross-contamination.

Pockets and Folds

Having folds and pockets in medical clothing and bags is convenient as it allows for easy transportation of medical supplies and devices. However, excessive pockets and folds can become hazardous, as they can accumulate bacteria and germs, ultimately increasing the risk of contamination. To improve infection control in health care facilities, consider implementing color-coded scrubs for different roles and departments. This will help identify the source of contamination and optimize hygiene practices.

Maintaining and Cleaning Scrubs to Optimize Protection

• Laundering and handling medical scrubs is not a business like any other. Health care providers must adhere to strict protocols, including proper disinfection, using suitable detergents, and washing at high temperatures. According to The Joint Commission, “To our knowledge, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not have any requirements for laundering surgical attire or uniforms. But as recommended by the Joint Commission and CMS, organizations should consult evidence-based guidelines for best practices and consider their adoption. Examples of guidelines include the Guideline for Surgical Attire (effective July 1, 2019) from the Association for periOperative Nursing (AORN), the AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Laundering Scrub Attire (revised April 14, 2017) from The Association of Surgical Technologists and the Statement on operating room attire (approved July 2016) from the American College of Surgeons.”

From “AST Standards of Practice for Surgical Attire, Surgical Scrub, Hand Hygiene and Hand Washing,” some guidelines include:

• Wash scrubs at temperatures higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit,
• Dry the scrubs properly on high heat to kill viruses and bacteria,
• Not wash your scrubs with your personal clothing, and
• Check your scrubs thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace any that are found to be damaged or in poor condition.

More information about policy development resources for surgical attire can be found here.

To ensure proper handling of scrubs, it is important to follow these guidelines:

– Store scrubs in clean and dry conditions to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

– Always wear scrubs when entering patient care rooms.

– Remove scrubs immediately after leaving patient care rooms.

– Handle scrubs with utmost care to minimize the spread of contaminants.

– Remove and clean contaminated scrubs as soon as possible.

Beyond Scrubs: Additional Measures for Preventing Infections

Health care infection prevention does not center around scrubs. They are integral tools but could only be useful if other measures are implemented. Many other practices can minimize the spread of infections within a health care center, including:

Regular professional training and workshops: Schedule workshops and training sessions regularly to equip your workers with the skills and knowledge required to minimize the spread of infections within and outside health care facility confines.

Encouraging good hygiene practices within and outside the hospital can reduce the spread of infections. By washing hands frequently, keeping the hospital clean, and using clean care materials, we can prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

It is crucial to promote the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings to ensure optimal service delivery and minimize the risk of infections. Everyone working in the healthcare industry should wear medical-grade goggles, gloves, and masks while carrying out tests and procedures that expose them to blood and body fluids.

Wrapping Up

Ensuring safety in a health care facility is a shared responsibility. From CEOs and managers to social workers and healthcare providers, everyone must be vigilant to maintain the health and safety of patients and fellow workers. Wearing scrubs is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections and maintain patient safety. Other effective ways to achieve safety in hospitals include maintaining high levels of hygiene and promoting the use of personal protective equipment.