Antimicrobial Scrubs
What are Antimicrobial Scrubs?
What is the deal with antimicrobial fabrics?Ā How do they work, and more importantly, WHAT do they work against?Ā
Calling all germophobes ā this is your article! (Who ISNāT a germophobe by now, anyway?)
Antimicrobial fabrics have been around for a few years, but infection preventionists everywhere are now taking a second look. First, let us look at the types of fabricsĀ and what they can be used for (besides scrubs) and then investigate how effective they are.Ā
Types of Antimicrobial Scrubs
- Silver alloy embedded ā these fabrics are made of the typical scrub fabric materials. Silver has long been used as an antibacterial materialĀ to prevent bacterial cell division.Ā
- Organosilane-based quaternary ammonium and hydrophobic fluoroacrylate copolymer emulsion.Ā Say what?Ā Letās call that a ācombination of antimicrobial chemical treatments.āĀ Better.Ā These treatments cause bacterial cells to burst or attach to the cell DNA, restricting replication.Ā
Use of Antimicrobial Fabrics
Antimicrobial fabrics areĀ standard nowadaysāfrom mouse pads to hospital curtains and upholstery. The military also uses these fabrics for various applications. Scrubs are a natural extension of these fabrics' great possible uses.
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Mixed Reviews on Antimicrobial vs Traditional Scrubs:
There are mixedĀ reviews all around.Ā SeveralĀ masked studies have been done on nurses wearingĀ antimicrobials versus traditional scrubs. One of the first studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 showed a significantly reduced bacterial burden on antimicrobial scrubs.Ā However, other studiesĀ have shown virtually no difference.Ā Another study showedĀ substantially less transmissible MRSA (Methycillin-Resistant Staph Aureus, a common drug-resistant bacteria).Ā Despite the mixed studies, several scrub manufacturers continue to produce these scrubs ā and most of these companies believe they show some effectiveness when combined with good hand hygiene (always!).Ā
Antimicrobial Scrubs Benefits:
So, killing bacteria has some prettyĀ extraordinary other benefits:
- Less smell ā inhibited bacteria growth, which means less odor from sweat!
- Fewer stains āĀ The growth of bacteria sets stains in, and antimicrobial fabric resists organic stains.
- Fluid resistant ā You know what Iām talking about.Ā Who wouldnāt want that? You come into all kinds of things during a shift.Ā Please keep it on the outside.Ā
- Resistance to fading ā Treatments to the fabrics eliminate fading over time.Ā
- Easy care ā no difference inĀ how you wash and dry scrubs.Ā
Although antimicrobial scrubs are a great idea to provide an extra layer of protection for you and your patients, there are some important caveats you need to know:
- Antimicrobial scrubs are not designed to have ANY effectiveness against viruses.Ā Only bacterial pathogens.Ā Nope, no coronavirus protection ā sorry.Ā
- These scrubs do not take the place of proper protective gear.Ā Suit up.
- These scrubs do NOT diminish the need for hand hygiene.Ā Hand washing always comes first!Ā (and last).Ā
Now that youĀ have all the details and knowledge about antimicrobial scrubsĀ check out the variety of products some of your favorite brand's offers. But wait, just because brands use anti-microbial fabric doesn't mean companies care about you! Still be on the prowl for collections like Infinity, who provide antimicrobial fabrics that are protective, durable & superĀ comfortable!!!Ā
SCRUB PRO Uniforms: Two Decades of Excellence
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Please findĀ your nearest store: Check out ourĀ locations to find the closest one.
Shop online: Canāt make it to the store? Explore our entire collection from the comfort of your home atĀ ScrubPro.com.
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Tammy McKinney, a seasoned Registered Nurse, distinguished healthcare writer, and founder ofĀ HelpfulHospiceNurse.com, is committed to using her medical knowledge to educate, inform, and entertain healthcare workers and their patients. To connect with Tammy directly, check her out onĀ LinkedIn.
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