shed skin squames and
that they can contain
potentially pathogenic
bacteria. Studies have
shown that
Staphylococcus aureus
and Staphylococcus epi-
dermidis have a tenden-
cy to colonize in hair,
skin and the nasopharynx
(osmag.net/ybbv6t). It's
why AORN recommends
wearing a "clean, low-lint
surgical head cover or
hood that confines all
hair and covers scalp skin
[and is] designed to mini-
mize microbial dispersal."
This isn't just theoreti-
cal. Several case studies demonstrate the need for proper head cover-
ings. For example, in 2016, 10 cases of mycobacterial infection at a sur-
gical center were traced to a single surgeon whose scalp was shedding
a new species of mycobacteria during surgery (osmag.net/kqvn4m).
Surgeons might resist covering their skullcap with a bouffant. But
should we sit idly by while people refuse to follow AORN recommen-
dations based on personal preference and not on the evidence?
Making surgeons happy shouldn't trump keeping patients safe.
Wearing proper head coverings isn't hard or harmful. Based on every-
thing we know, it's just common sense.
Infection Prevention
IP
1 4 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 7
Can Skullcaps and
Scrubs Cause Infections?
Could breaks in surgical attire safety
put your patients at risk for infection?
To find out, we polled our readers to get
their take.
Improper surgical attire can harm
patients.
Strongly agree 47%
Somewhat agree 30%
Somewhat disagree 15%
Strongly disagree 8%
SOURCE: Outpatient Surgery Magazine
InstaPoll, March 2017, n=423
InstaPoll
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