Vestex MRSA

A Virginia Commonwealth University study indicates Vestex fluid barrier/antimicrobial impregnated scrub uniforms, combined with good hand hygiene, may play a role in decreasing the risk of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission to patients.

Numerous studies in 2011 confirmed the presence of high amounts of bacteria on health-care worker scrubs and lab coats. Led by Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, associate professor of internal medicine in the VCU School of Medicine and associate hospital epidemiologist at the VCU Medical Center, the study “A Crossover Trial of Antimicrobial Scrubs to Reduce Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel,” will appear in the March 2012 issue of the Journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.

According to Bearman’s research, the Vestex fluid barrier/antimicrobial scrubs had “a statistically significant 4-7 log, (greater than a 99.99%), decrease in the overall mean log CFU MRSA count (amount of MRSA on the scrubs) compared to normal scrubs.

The Researchers conclude: “The antimicrobial scrubs tested were associated with decreased MRSA apparel microbial bioburden. When bundled with known infection prevention strategies such as hand hygiene, antimicrobial impregnated apparel may limit the bacterial burden of the inanimate environment. For settings with high rates of hospital-acquired infections with drug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA, the use of antimicrobial apparel may be a useful adjunct to other infection prevention measures.”

Hygienists' thoughts about uniform fashion

Vestex uses a dual mode of action to prevent bacteria from being acquired and retained on garments. The first mode of action, the fluid barrier, prevents organisms from being acquired on the garment. As the infectious contaminants or fluids are repelled, the numbers of organisms that remain on the fabric are reduced. By reducing the number of organisms retained on garments, there is a decrease in the exposure time required for the antimicrobial to take action.

“We know that scrubs and lab coats are contaminated with the superbug MRSA and it puts workers and patients at risk,” explained Ben Favret, president and CEO of Vestagen. “Our mission is to protect health-care workers, their patients and the community from the acquisition, retention and transmission of these contaminants. Dr. Bearman‘s research builds upon the scientific evidence documenting how well Vestex Active Barrier Protective Apparel performs that mission.”

“OSHA reports that health-care workers experience more injury and illness than any other profession,” stated Brian Crawford, Vestagen’s chief commercial officer. "Every health-care worker around the globe deserves Vestex protection."

Vestex Active Barrier Protective Apparel is available online at www.vestexprotects.com and in select uniform retail stores and websites.

“Vestagen is also partnering with leading uniform manufacturers and distributors around the globe so health-care workers can get the protection they need and the colors and styles they want,” added Crawford.

For more information, go to www.vestexprotects.com.

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