Antibacterial and Laundering Properties of AMS and PHMB as Finishing Agents on Fabric for Health Care Workers' Uniforms

Abstract

This study examined whether antibacterial finishes can effectively reduce the presence of bacteria on fabric used for health care workers' uniforms (HCWUs). The specific objectives of this research were (a) to compare the antibacterial property (percentage bacterial reduction) of a 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric treated with two commercially available antibacterial agents, AEGIS Microbe Shield (AMS) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), before laundering and after 5, 10, and 25 laundering cycles and (b) to determine which agent may be a better choice for HCWU fabrics. The results provided evidence that an antibacterial finish can be an effective way to combat the problem of bacteria contamination. PHMB-treated fabrics are a good candidate for use in reusable HCWUs incurring up to 25 laundering cycles. PHMB-treated specimens had a significantly larger reduction against both Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria before laundering and after 5, 10, and 25 laundering cycles than did AMS-treated specimens and no-treatment specimens.

Synthesis, Solvatochromic Performance, pH Sensing, Dyeing Ability, and Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Hydrazone Dyestuffs

“…e antimicrobial testing of the obtained hydrazone dyes was performed against S. aureus (Gram positive), E. coli (Gram negative), and Candida albicans (fungus). e antimicrobial examination was made quantitatively using the standard AATCC microbial count test procedure 100-1999 [42][43][44].…”

Medical textiles

“…The higher the degree of polymerisation, the stronger the attachment to the fibre surface and the more-effective the antibacterial action. Their development and application for use in healthcare workers' uniforms was reported [257] and their application has been reviewed [258]. Effective PHMB-based finishing agents are reported to be commercially available [259].…”

Guideline Implementation: Surgical Attire

“…Evidence indicates that bacteria and fungi may not adhere to scrub clothing made of a fabric that has antimicrobials processed into the yarn. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Researchers have found significant reductions in microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, [8][9][10][11] Klebsiella pneumoniae, 10 Escherichia coli, 8,9 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 8,9 and Morganella morganii, 9 on fabrics treated with antimicrobials compared with untreated fabrics. Research is needed to help determine whether having the perioperative team wear scrub clothes made of these fabrics can help reduce a patient's risk for developing an SSI.…”