Several studies have demonstrated bacterial contamination
of the uniforms and clothing of health
care workers (HCWs) during patient care activities.
Physicians’ white coats and ties, medical students’
coats, and nurses’ uniforms have all been shown to
be colonized with pathogenic organisms and thus may
be a potential source of cross-infection. The maximal
contamination occurs in areas of greatest hand contact
(ie, pockets and cuffs), allowing recontamination of
already washed hands.