@article { , title = {A comparison of the bacterial contamination of the surface of cleanroom operators’ garments following donning with and without gloves.}, abstract = {Background: Specialist cleanroom garments are a potential vector for transmission of microorganisms within these facilities. In order to maintain the low bioburden of such clothing it has been perceived best practice for operators to dress wearing sterile cleanroom gloves. However, the efficacy of such glove use upon the resultant bacterial contamination of the surface of cleanroom garments has not previously been evaluated. Aim: To compare surface bacterial contamination of cleanroom garments following their donning by operators dressing with or without gloves. Methods: Following prior handwashing and systematic donning of cleanroom clothing by operators dressing wearing either no gloves, non-sterile nitrile gloves or sterile cleanroom latex gloves, a direct agar contact method was immediately undertaken to test garment surfaces at 7 specific sites. Following incubation bacterial levels were suitably quantified. Findings: Comparing levels of growth displayed on plates used to test the surface of cleanroom garments worn by operators dressing with no gloves, non–sterile gloves or sterile cleanroom gloves, no significant difference was observed between the percentage of contact plates displaying growth and the levels of growth observed on plates, from any of the sites tested. Conclusion: Omission of gloves in line with a systematic handwashing procedure prior to the cleanroom garment donning process, may result in modest economic and environmental gain coupled with a slightly less burdensome procedure. However, this is reliant on rigorous adherence to handwashing protocol and assessment of associated risk factors.}, doi = {10.37521/ejpps.26302}, eissn = {1740-6277}, issn = {0964 4679}, issue = {3}, journal = {European journal of parenteral and pharmaceutical sciences}, note = {INFO COMPLETE (Now published, checked and updated 4/11/2021 LM) PERMISSION GRANTED (journal confirmed that all articles are now "open access", but website still says "© all rights reserved"; VOR uploaded under BY licence 31.01.2023 GB -- Open Access article, checking on policy with journal via online form 19/10/2021 LM) DOCUMENT READY (VOR downloaded 1/11/2021 LM) ADDITIONAL INFO - Contact: Andrew Lamb; Laurie Smith; Noelle O'Driscoll}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {PHSS (Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Sciences Society)}, url = {https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1499502}, volume = {26}, keyword = {Gloves, Cleanroom, Garments, Donning, Bacterial, Contamination}, year = {2021}, author = {Smith, Laurie M. and O'Driscoll, Noëlle H. and Lamb, Andrew J.} }