Anti-Bacterial fibre and cross infection control
This is a hot topic at present. While the idea of an anti-bacterial fabric may be appealing this requires a bit of investigation. How are the antibacterial properties achieved? Generally this is either via treating the fabric with a liquid chemical or introducing silver thread. The purchaser should be aware that the active chemical or silver thread will wash out of the fabric and into the environment. As much as 45% of the silver thread can be washed out, therefore the effectiveness of the anti-bacterial properties is reduced. The manufacturer should be able to provide information on the anti-bacterial qualities after a set number of washes. The danger is that the garment will have lost the anti-bacterial qualities without the wearer being aware.
There may be little point in changing into a surgical top without changing trousers or shoes, work uniforms should be a full outfit. Uniforms should be laundered together and not taken home and mixed with a domestic wash. A common sense approach should be adopted.