M A Y 2 0 1 5 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 5 9
nities with potentially pathogenic organisms.
To cite one example, a 2012 study (osmag.net/0UFDwt) describes how 3 cases of
post-operative Gordonia bronchialis sternal infections were traced to a nurse
anesthetist's home washing machine. The organism was isolated from scrub
attire, which, along with her washing machine, had been colonized. The
machine, in fact, had formed a biofilm and couldn't be cleaned, so it ultimately
had to be disposed of. We also now know that potentially infectious microor-
ganisms can survive on inanimate surfaces and fabrics for up to a month.
Still, some facilities are resistant to partnering with professional launderers. In
fact, I suspect almost every facility is dealing with non-compliance because of
Why it's safer: The surgical mask serves as a filter that harbors bacteria collected from the nasopharyngeal airway.
The contaminated mask may cross-contaminate the scrub attire top or long-sleeved jacket when worn hanging around
the neck.
Sin #4: You launder your scrubs at home
What you should do: All individuals who enter semi-restricted and
restricted areas should wear scrub attire that has been laundered at a
healthcare-accredited laundry facility or disposable scrub attire provided
by the facility and intended for use within the perioperative setting,
according to Recommendation II in the Guideline for Surgical Attire.
Why it's safer: Home laundering cannot be conducted with the same
rigid standards and processes as a healthcare-accredited laundering facili-
ty. These processes include correct water temperature, detergent, drying
and transport. Home laundering also presents a risk of transmitting bacte-
ria from the practice setting to your family and community.
— Lisa Spruce, DNP, RN, CNS-CP, CNOR, ACNS, ACNP
Which "surgical attire sin" do
you see committed most often?
• Skullcap or other headwear that
doesn't completely cover hair. 19%
• Skullcap or other headwear that
doesn't completely cover ears (skullcap
comes above ears or bouffant cap
tucked behind ears). 13%
• Mask hangs around neck. 15%
• Launder scrubs at home. 4%
• More than one of the above. 49%
SOURCE: Outpatient Surgery Magazine
InstaPoll, April 2015, n=338
