2012 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 32-39
This study aimed, first, to determine the degrees of bacterial contamination found on uniforms after nursing student practice and compare the effects of different washing methods and, second, to investigate the prevalence of uniform-related contact infection and appropriate preventive measures. This study involved 20 nursing students who had taken a basic nursing practice course and provided informed consent to participate. We evaluated the relationships between the bacteriological analysis results obtained from uniforms (standard plate counts and MRSA colony counts) and different washing conditions. There were no MRSA carriers among the patients under care. During the 8-day clinical nursing practice period, students washed their uniforms an average of 4.1 times, and 65% of students washed their uniform with regular clothes (mixed group). Compared with a group of students who washed their uniform separately (separate group), the mixed group had significantly higher standard plate counts. After wearing uniforms, standard plate counts tended to be higher in the areas such as the chest, pockets, and the bottoms of trousers. MRSA counts were significantly higher after wearing a uniform on the first day of practice (0.3 cfu/10 cm2) compared with the counts before wearing (0.1 cfu/10 cm2). There was no significant difference in either standard or MRSA plate counts between the first and fifth day of practice. It was clear from the results that uniforms are contaminated with bacteria through contact during a day of practice, and the degrees of residual contamination after laundry vary depending on washing method. Continuous use of uniforms without laundering therefore presents clear issues for infection management. These findings suggest that students need to change their uniform everyday and either have it washed professionally or wash it separately from other clothes using bleach at home.
