5 8 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E M A Y 2 0 1 5
healthcare laundering facilities for myriad reasons, with cost a critical con-
cern. But the real question shouldn't be whether you can afford third-party
laundering, it should be whether you can afford not to have your scrubs pro-
fessionally cleaned.
Realize the risks
For years, AORN has recommended that facilities use healthcare-accredited
laundering services for all surgical attire. Its recently updated guidelines
(osmag.net/As1BLx) are based on a systematic review of evidence that lends new
weight to the suggestion. Accredited third-party laundering not only protects
patients from exposure to microorganisms that contribute to SSIs, it can also
protect team members from potentially contaminating their homes and commu-
Sin #1: You don't cover your hair completely
What you should do: Wear a clean surgical head cover or hood that confines all hair and completely covers the
ears, scalp skin, sideburns, and nape of the neck, according to Recommendation III in the Guideline for Surgical Attire
(osmag.net/DhJDa7).
Why it's safer: Hair can harbor potentially pathogenic organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
that becomes firmly attached to hair, even at the cuticles, and cannot be removed by washing. If not covered, these
organisms can be dispersed into the environment.
Sin #2: You don't cover your ears
What you should do: Wear a clean surgical head cover or hood that confines all hair and completely covers the ears,
scalp skin, sideburns, and nape of the neck, according to Recommendation III in the Guideline for Surgical Attire.
Why it's safer: Ears harbor bacteria that can become dislodged and released into the surgical environment.
Sin #3: You let your mask hang around your neck
What you should do: Don a fresh surgical mask before performing or assisting with each new procedure. Replace
masks whenever they become wet or soiled, or have been taken down to hang around the neck, according to
Recommendation I.h.3 in the Guideline for Surgical Attire. Remove and discard masks using only the mask's ties.
Perform hand hygiene after each removal.
PPE PRACTICES
Are You Committing
These Surgical Attire Sins?
