Superbug Transmitted by Textiles

Research Cites Clothing as Key Link in Spread of Infection
 

Healthcare customers tell us all the time – Even before I hug my kids, the first things I do when I get home after a shift are take my shoes off outside, take off my dirty uniform and take a shower.   They don’t want the contamination of the workplace to enter their homes.   New research confirms their suspicions. 

“Our findings document the role of textiles in the spread of infectious diseases, like MRSA,” says Elizabeth Scott, PhD, co-director of the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community from Simmons College in Boston, Mass., during her presentation at the 112th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

Clothing Compared to Toilets and Sinks
In a ranking of sites and surfaces in the home, based on their risk of transmission of germs, clothing and household linens shared a ranking with known harbingers of bacteria:   toilets and sinks. 

 “The data is clear - clothing acquires, retains, and can potentially transmit bacteria.  We need to better advise the public on how to achieve hygienic laundering and otherclinically proven strategies to reduce the level of contamination on clothing,” adds Dr. Scott.

Protect your Customers 
Healthcare workers are becoming increasingly aware of the problems of MRSA and other bacteria being transferred via clothing.  They need innovative products to reduce their risk and to protect their patients and families.  Research also reveals that they will pay a premium for that peace of mind.

Vestex Active Barrier Protective scrub uniforms and lab coats are clinically proven to rapidly prevent, reduce or eliminate the acquisition and retention of contaminants on the breathable, durable fabric.  Fluids bead up and roll off the Vestex fabric even as it remains breathable, comfortable and durable.