Abstract

There is a major concern for healthcare workers (HCW) regarding transmission of bacteria to and from their patients. Because of this potential contamination, protection is a major issue. Healthcare workers uniforms (HCWU) are often used as barriers to help eliminate or reduce the risk of infection for both the doctor and the patient. Without sufficient barriers, harmful bacteria can reach and penetrate the skin of surgeons and/or patients, with an associated potential for infection. In addition, when pathogens contaminate (HCWU), they can be transmitted to other persons beyond the initial wearer. For the prevention of surgical infection through contamination from aqueous liquids and bacteria, guidelines have been issued for surgical gowns by several organizations. This paper looks into this crucial issue in order to highlight the importance of this subject and discuss the parameters that govern it.

Key words: Healthcare workers (HCW), chitosan, AEGIS microbe shield (AMS), poly-hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), reusable, disposable.