A novel comprehensive efficacy test for textiles intended for use in the healthcare setting.

Soft surfaces, including textiles are found throughout healthcare settings. Pathogens can survive for long periods of time on textiles, and can be transferred to and from the skin. Antimicrobial fabrics are used as an engineering control to prevent infection.

Laundering habits of student nurses and correlation with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on nursing scrub tops pre- and postlaundering.

Little is known about student nurse laundering practices. Student nurses swabbed their scrub tops after clinical and after laundering, and they completed a laundry survey; 13.5% of students wore the same scrub more than once, and few followed recommended guidelines by using hot water (20%) or bleach (5.