Karen deKay is a senior perioperative practice specialist at AORN. A registered nurse for more than 30 years, she is certified in both perioperative nursing and infection prevention and control, and has led system-wide initiatives to standardize surgical and sterile processing practices. She serves as lead revision author for several guidelines, including the current update to the Guideline for Surgical Attire, and represents the organization on national infection prevention committees.
Could a badge, cell phone, or home-laundered scrub top contribute to infection transmission? AORN's updated 2025 Guideline for Surgical Attire reinforces that surgical attire is much more than a uniform. From laundering practices and beard covers to cleaning personal devices, the recommendations position attire as a key component of infection prevention and patient safety across the perioperative environment.
