Healthcare providers recognize the significance of maintaining an infection-free environment for both their own employees and patients alike, so the use of protective clothing such as antimicrobial scrubs as part of their practice is of vital importance in this pursuit.
What are Antimicrobial Scrubs?
Antimicrobial scrubs are clothing specially designed to combat bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms on healthcare workers’ clothing surfaces. Antimicrobial scrubs may include clothing treated with an antimicrobial agent or made out of materials with natural antimicrobial properties which is worn by doctors, nurses and technicians working within healthcare. Their purpose is to stop their growth from invading our systems through bacteria growth on clothes which has come in contact with harmful microbes from the outside environment.
What are some advantages to wearing scrubs treated with an antimicrobial barrier?
Antimicrobial scrubs offer numerous advantages. First, they help lower cross-contamination risk between patients and healthcare workers by inhibiting microorganism growth – thus helping limit infections within healthcare facilities. Second, antimicrobial scrubs offer added protection to healthcare workers exposed to various pathogens; thus lowering healthcare-associated infections while keeping healthcare workers healthier. Thirdly, antimicrobial scrubs tend to be more durable; they can withstand frequent washing/sterilization cycles without losing effectiveness.
What Antimicrobial Agents Are Available for Surgical Scrubs?
A range of antimicrobial agents is found in surgical scrubs. Silver ions have proven themselves effective against bacteria; while quaternary ammonium compounds have the ability to disrupt cell membranes of microorganisms. Natural antimicrobials like Chitosan and Tea Tree Oil may also prove valuable additions.
How can antimicrobial agents be applied to surgical scrubs?
Antimicrobial agents can be applied in several ways. One approach involves antimicrobial finishing treatments during manufacturing that impregnate fabric with antimicrobial agents for long-term protection, while infused additives with antimicrobial properties may help keep this fabric protected throughout its life.
See more about antimicrobial additives
How to Evaluate Antimicrobial Effect of Surgical Scrubs
There are various methods for testing the antimicrobial effectiveness of surgical scrubs. One such test is called the Zone of Inhibition Test; during this method a sample of scrub fabric is placed onto culture medium inoculated with specific microorganisms; any area around where these microorganisms do not grow (known as “Zone of Inhibition”) reveals whether its antimicrobial agents are working effectively against them. Another method called Quantitative test measures the reduction in numbers upon exposure of the antimicrobial agent; both measures the reduction in number after being exposed to it (also known as reduction).
There are several standards for evaluating the antimicrobial effect on fiber. These standards are essential for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of antimicrobial fibers. Some of the commonly used standards include AATCC 100, which measures the antibacterial activity of textile materials. This standard assesses the reduction in the number of bacteria on the fiber after a specific period of contact. Another standard is JIS L 1902, which also determines the antibacterial activity of textiles. It provides a method for evaluating the ability of fibers to inhibit the growth of bacteria. ASTM E2149 is another important standard that measures the antimicrobial activity of fibrous materials against bacteria and fungi. These standards help in quantifying the antimicrobial effect on fiber and provide a reliable way to compare different antimicrobial products.
In conclusion
Antimicrobial scrubs play a pivotal role in protecting healthcare workers and patients against infections. By understanding their function, their benefits, the antimicrobial agents used, as well as how to apply and test them, we can ensure healthcare facilities have access to maximum protection against infections spreading.
