The role of covering gowns in reducing rates of bacterial contamination of scrub suits.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether covering gowns reduce the rates of contamination of surgical scrubs. Seventy-five clinicians had pieces of fabric from clean scrubs attached to two areas of their scrub suits. Participants wore a covering garment when wearing scrub suits off of designated areas (n = 25), did not wear a covering garment (n = 25), or wore scrub suits outside the hospital (n = 25). Subsequently, the fabric was assessed with culture in enhanced broth media and blood agar. Although there was a trend toward lower rates of contamination in the group that did not wear a covering garment, the difference was not significant. At no point, and at neither site of fabric attachment, did those who wore a covering garment demonstrate any advantage in regard to levels or frequency of contamination. Wearing covering garments over scrub suits does not reduce rates of contamination.