IMPACT OF LAUNDERING ON BACTERIAL PENETRATION IN SURGICAL GOWNS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the mean bacterial penetration % in surgical gowns at differentlaundering cycles which were used in three different categories of Hospital. Material & Methods: Fifty, locally available reusable surgicalgowns were collected from all the major teaching hospitals of Lahore as sample. Samples were analyzed and compared against internationalstandards. Samples were tested at different laundering cycles (after 0, 5, 10, 15, & 20 washings). The gowns were laundered at Mayo hospitallaundry services. The surgical gowns were subjected to multiple laundering cycles. The bacterial penetration test was performed atMicrobiology Lab., PCSIR (Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) Laboratories Complex, Lahore. Data was analyzed by usingSPSS 16 versions and for comparison Repeated measurement ANOVA was used. A p-value less or equal to 0 .05 will be considered assignificant. Results: Overall the mean ± S.D penetration of bacteria in all samples was as under, at 0 Washing (86.47±2.91%), 5th washing(91.53±1.72%), 10th washing (95.60±0.91%), 15th washing (08.53±0.34%) and at 20th washing (99.47±0.13%). While comparing ondifferent laundering intervals or times the penetration of bacteria (%) was statistically increased from 86.47±2.91% to 99.47±0.13 %, p-value0.001. Conclusions: When studied for change in porosity after laundering reusable surgical gowns set up of hospitals in Pakistan resulted inincreased porosity and hence more penetration of bacteria across the fabric used for manufacture of surgical gowns. The loss of barrier effect ofsurgical gown is further compounded by lack of standardization of laundering technique, infra-structure use of improper detergent and othercleaning agents. This loss of fabric characteristics results in more bacterial contamination of surgical wound risk of infection to the patient.