Impact of laundering on bacterial penetration in surgical gowns

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to compare the mean bacterial penetration% in surgical gowns at different laundering cycles which were used in three different categories of Hospital. Fifty, locally available reusable surgical gowns were collected from all the major teaching hospitals of Lahore as sample. Samples were analyzed and compared against international standards. Samples were tested at different laundering cycles [after 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 washings]. The gowns were laundered at Mayo hospital laundry services. The surgical gowns were subjected to multiple laundering cycles. The bacterial penetration test was performed at Microbiology Lab., PCSIR [Pakistan Council of Scientific and lndustrial Research] Laboratories Complex, Lahore. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 16 versions and for comparison Repeated measurement ANOVA was used. A p-value less or equal to 0.05 will be considered as significant. Overall the mean +/- S.D penetration of bacteria in all samples was as under, at 0 Washing [86.47 +/- 2.91%], 5th washing [91.53 +/- 1.72%], 10th washing [95.60 +/- 0.91%], 15th washing [08.53 +/- 0.34%] and at 20th washing [99.47 +/- 0.13%]. While comparing on different laundering intervals or times the penetration of bacteria [%] was statistically increased from 86.47 +/- 2.91% to 99.47 +/- 0.13%, p-value 0.001. When studied for change in porosity after laundering reusable surgical gowns set up of hospitals in Pakistan resulted in increased porosity and hence more penetration of bacteria across the fabric used for manufacture of surgical gowns. The loss of barrier effect of surgical gown is further compounded by lack of standardization of laundering technique, infra-structure use of improper detergent and other cleaning agents. This loss of fabric characteristics results in more bacterial contamination of surgical wound risk of infection to the patient.