Bacterial Sedimentation During Cardiac Surgery Reduced by Disposable Clothing

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Abstract
The effect of three types of operating-room clothing on bacterial sedimentation was studied during cardiac valve surgery. The 24 operations were divided into three groups, according to type of clothing worn by all personnel—standard cotton, open style non-woven or closed style non-woven. Sedimentation on open agar plates was greatest when cotton clothing was worn, less with open style non-woven garments (difference not significant), and still less with closed style non-woven clothing (difference statistically significant). The sedimentation corresponded to estimated airborne concentrations (cfu/m3) of 79.6 (cotton clothing), 59.7 (open style non-woven) and 7.2 (closed style non-woven). Use of closed style non-woven operation clothing is recommended for cardiac surgery.