Neckties for physicians: Yes? No? Maybe?

Mo Med. 2010 Nov-Dec;107(6):366-7.

Abstract

Nosocomial infections, especially those involving resistant microorganisms, represent one of the challenging problems of modern medicine. Health care providers play an important role in the transmission of these infections. White coats and neckties are among the culprits implicated as vectors for transmission of infections by health care providers. Both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria commonly colonize neckties and avoiding neckties is a simple measure that may prove helpful in our fight against nosocomial infections.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Clothing*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Cross Infection / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Physicians*