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Bacterial contamination of health care workers' white coats

Amy M Treakle1, Kerri A Thom, Jon P Furuno

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.

American Journal of Infection Control
|October 7, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Healthcare workers' white coats are frequently contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. This contamination highlights white coats as a potential vector for transmitting S. aureus between patients in hospitals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk to patient safety.
  • Transient colonization of healthcare workers (HCWs) can facilitate pathogen transmission.
  • Contaminated HCW attire, particularly white coats, may act as a reservoir for nosocomial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of nosocomial pathogen contamination on HCW white coats.
  • To investigate the association between white coat contamination and specific HCW characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study conducted at a major teaching hospital.
  • Participants included attendees of medical and surgical grand rounds.
  • White coats were cultured for Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and VRE on lapels, pockets, and cuffs.

Main Results:

  • 23% of 149 white coats were contaminated with S. aureus.
  • 6% of S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
  • S. aureus contamination was higher among residents, inpatient personnel, and those seeing inpatients.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of HCW white coats harbor S. aureus, including MRSA.
  • White coats represent a potential vehicle for S. aureus transmission in healthcare settings.
  • Findings underscore the importance of evaluating and potentially modifying HCW attire policies.

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