Bacterial Contamination of Surgical Scrubs and Laundering Mechanisms: Infection Control Implications

In light of the potential risks associated with home-laundering and the paucity of evidence surrounding it, a study was undertaken to provide additional insight into the subject. The aim was to compare the aerobic bacterial bioburden associated with surgical scrub attire separated into different categories based on their single-use/reusable status, use (worn versus clean) status, and, for the reusable scrubs, laundering mechanism (facility-laundered, third-party/commercial-laundered, and home-laundered).