What Makes Scrubs Antimicrobial?

Researchers have known for years the importance of
sterilizing medical equipment and washing hands. Studies showed that hospital
textiles were likely contributors to the transmission of pathogens, but for
decades, there was little to be done to fix the problem.
At Raley Scrubs, we know patients need healthcare workers,
despite the fact that workers' uniforms could contribute to hospital
infections. The germy uniforms, worn for an 8-hour or longer work day, can be
easily contaminated, and an easy source of mobility for bacteria.Recently,
however, researchers have found a way to combat that challenge, thanks to the
creation of fabrics designed to prevent contamination.Today, scrubs crafted
with antimicrobial fabrics are preventing the spread of the bacteria that
causes Staph, Salmonella, E. Coli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA)
in hospitals.
Raley Scrubs carries antimicrobial scrubs so Tulsa
healthcare providers can be confident in the care they're providing to
patients.
How Do These Life-Saving Fabrics Work?
Different scrub manufacturers use different means of
creating antimicrobial scrubs. Manufacturers use an active antibacterial agent
and embed the agents into fabric fibers. These agents bond permanently to the
fibers, creating a bacteria-killing fabric.Some agents target bacteria
specifically, while others target bacterial proteins. Still others attach to
bacteria DNA, which makes it impossible for the bacteria to replicate. When
bacteria make contact with the antimicrobial fabrics, their ability to
reproduce is disrupted. As an added bonus, this technology also prevents armpit
stains or collar rings that form on fabrics over time, but preventing the
bacteria that causes those stains to grow. Different scrub manufacturers choose
different active agents in the creation of their antimicrobial scrubs. Some
scrub makers choose to use more than one active antibacterial agent in fabrics.
Many
scrub manufacturers also use fluid resistant technologies in their scrub
textiles. This line of defense prevents fluid and other materials from sticking
to the fabric. In other words, bacteria-rich fluids slide right off of the
fabric. Most manufacturers use the same component that is active in
anti-dandruff shampoos – zinc pyrithione. The agent works by eliminating
clusters of proteins that fungi require to grow and spread.
Do Antimicrobial Scrubs Work?
At least one study suggests that yes, these
technologically-advanced scrubs are an effective method for preventing or
limiting the spread of MRSA, a sometimes deadly flesh-eating bacteria.
Scientists call it a Superbug, because it is resistant to
antibiotics. Unfortunately, hospitals are the most common source of MRSA
infections, and researchers believe the likely catalyst of the spread in
hospitals is through healthcare providers themselves.
The good news is researchers believe MRSA is largely
preventable, and antimicrobial scrubs are one line of defense. A 2012 Virginia
Commonwealth University study revealed that antimicrobial textiles may reduce
the number of bacteria living on a surface.
Over the course of four months, researchers studied 32
healthcare workers who wore antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial scrubs.
Researchers randomly took cultures of these garments once per week, and learned
that the antimicrobial scrubs reduced the amount of MRSA on the providers'
clothing.
At
Raley Scrubs, we believe antimicrobial scrubs are a win-win for Tulsa
healthcare providers and their patients.
Check out our scrubs today!