A study presented at the CDC’s 4th Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections found high rates of textile contamination with common pathogens, among them MRSA and VRE. This comes as no surprise since the role of textiles in the chain of infection—including scrub uniforms and lab coats—has been extensively studied for several years. Healthcare worker exposure to blood and bodily fluids is also quite common, adding to the risk. In a recent survey, healthcare professionals cited such exposure as a top personal safety concern.

Every healthcare facility focuses on improving employee and patient safety. One facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. -- Northpoint Surgery and Laser Center -- is setting a new standard in safety with its recent adoption of Vestex™ uniforms: innovative, high-performance medical apparel that provides effective, comfortable fluid barrier protection for employees. This facility is the latest in a growing number of institutions that have adopted Vestex as their uniform standard.

Vestex high-performance medical apparel, developed by Orlando-based Vestagen Technical Textiles, uses exclusively licensed, patented technology to repel blood and bodily fluids, and contains an antimicrobial that protects the fabric from degradation due to microorganisms. In addition, Vestex is breathable, perspiration-wicking and naturally self-cleaning, helping to keep medical personnel clean, cool and dry.

Because continuing education for staff is critical to all healthcare institutions, Vestagen also provided in-service training for staff members at the facility on the incidence of blood and bodily fluid exposures and the role of textiles in the chain of infection.

“Employee exposure to blood and bodily fluids is unavoidable in most healthcare settings,” said Ben Favret, president and CEO of Vestagen Technical Textiles. “Staff needs protective apparel that works as hard as they do, but is also comfortable, making compliance with personal protection easier.”