Antistatic nurses’ aprons may contribute to a reduction of hospital infection in isolation wards

In the past, nurses’ cotton uniforms have been implicated in the spread of microorganisms and this led to the widespread use of disposable plastic aprons. However, plastic is notorious in acquiring static electric charge which is able to attract airborne micro-organisms. In this study, five different types of ordinary and antistatic nurses’ plastic aprons were tested both electrostatically and bacteriologically. The purpose was to investigate whether antistatic aprons may constitute an improved barrier to the spread of micro-organisms, particularly in isolation wards where immuno-compromised patients are more susceptible to infecting organisms. Results showed that one antistatic apron from five types tested exhibited a 38% reduction in bacteria attracted onto its surface compared with the white plastic aprons currently in use. We suggest that antistatic aprons may contribute to a reduction in hospital infections, particularly in isolation wards such as those in bone marrow transplant units.