Mobile phone microbial contamination among neonatal unit healthcare workers.

into the fabric. Cultures of the pocket, sleeve cuff, thigh, and wrist were taken before the scrub attire was donned and at the end of the day after patient care. The researchers found that, at the end of an 8-hour work day, wearing the antimicrobial scrub attire did not decrease bacterial or antibiotic-resistant microbial contamination of the HCWs’ scrub attire. In another study of silver impregnated scrubs versus standard scrubs, Gross et al conducted a study in the emergency medical setting to compare the contamination rates of newly developed silver thread-hybrid clothing with that of standard textile clothing. Samples were taken from jackets and pants of 10 emergency workers at day 0 (preservice), day 3 after use, and day 7 after use over a divided 4-week period to test this hypothesis. No significant difference in the extent of microbial contamination was detected between these 2 materials. These studies suggest that the presence of a fluid barrier, the type of fabric, the active antimicrobial ingredient, the onset of action, kill time, and nonleaching characteristics of the fabric and technology should be carefully assessed to ensure effectiveness and safety. This is, as Ms. Boutin points out, definitely an issue that warrants further research.