Do white coats on polyester fabrics act as a barrier against fluids and bacteria?

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate polyester fabrics as physical barrier function against fluids and bacteria.

Methods

This is an in vitro experimental laboratory research carried out in three stages: evaluation of the length of time for the fluid to pass through the fabrics, timed from the beginning of the fluid flow until the formation and fall of the last drop; microbiological determination of the bacterial load in the fluid, after its passage through the fabrics; and analysis of the structural characteristics of the fabrics by scanning in electron microscopy. The data were submitted to normality tests and the Mann–Whitney U test, with a significance level of a=5%.

Results

Comparisons of length of time in the first stage between the two types of fabrics used showed a statistical difference ( p <0.001). Regarding the microbiological evaluation, there was no difference among bacterial loads after the fluid passed through the fabrics, both for Staphylococcus aureus ( p =0.056) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( p =0.320). The analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed structural differences between the fabrics, however, there were no bacteria on the fabric surface.

Conclusion

Both polyester fabrics used to make white coats did not work as a physical barrier against fluids and bacteria. Thus, the results allowed us to speculate that the polyester coat when in contact with body fluids may allow contamination of the professional.

Infection control; Protective clothing; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus aureus