Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Published on: March 22, 2022
Bacterial counts from hospital doctors' ties are higher than those from shirts
Pedro-Jose Lopez1, Ori Ron, Prabha Parthasarathy
1Division of Surgery, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Doctor ties are often contaminated with bacteria, and it has been suggested that they should not be worn. We have compared bacterial counts from the ties and shirt pockets of 50 doctors. Counts were higher (P = .002) from ties that were rarely, if ever, cleaned than from shirts that were washed every 2 days or more frequently. The results support the need for further research on unwashable clothing of hospital staff.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Signaling
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
