Bacterial Contamination
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will test if nurses wearing scrubs treated with an antimicrobial agent while performing patient care will: \- Decrease the amount of bacterial contamination on scrubs at the end of a typical hospital shift during routine use after home laundering This study will gather information by obtaining swabs from scrubs treated with an antimicrobial and from non-treated scrubs.
Detailed description
The outcome of interest is the contamination of scrubs with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species or Gram-negative bacteria as determined by surface swabs of healthcare worker scrubs after a full 8-hour shift. The outcomes will be analyzed both individually and collectively. Contamination will be defined as: \- A swab that is determined to be positive for any Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, or Gram-negative bacteria after a hospital shift.
Interventions
OTHERAntimicrobial impregnated scrubs
Scrubs are impregnated with an antimicrobial product
OTHERNon-impregnated scrubs
Sponsors
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Nursing staff engaging in direct patient care * Working in select/participating intensive care and intermediate care units * Working at least 8 day shifts in one month (study period)
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant * Unable to provide consent * Unable to follow study schedule
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial contamination of scrubs | Outcome will be assessed at the end of the hospital shift ( approx 8 hours) | Contamination will be defined as: * A swab that is determined to be positive for any of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, or Gram-negative bacteria after a hospital shift. |
Outcome results
None listed