Bacterial contamination of medical uniforms: a cross-sectional study from Suzhou city, China

Few studies have been conducted which evaluate the prevalence of contamination of medical uniforms in China. The present study was designed to explore the characteristics of uniform contamination and associated factors. A total of 120 participants were enrolled in the study and 122 uniforms were sampled. Each uniform was sampled at three different sites to determine the colonisation of microorganisms. A total of 366 swab samples were cultured; 294 (80.3%) samples yielded various microorganisms and 75(61.5%) uniforms were contaminated with bacteria. The uniforms of medical students had the highest prevalence of contamination. The cuffs of uniforms were the most easily infected with bacteria. Participants who wiped their hands at the back of uniforms had higher contamination rate in the hanging part of uniforms. Our study demonstrated that medical uniforms can harbour microorganisms. Proper handling of medical uniforms and adequate education to medical staffs are required to decrease healthcare-associated infections.