Surgical Attire

Surgical Attire

In a meeting, we were discussing about the new regulations of wearing long sleeves. We discussed how wearing long sleeves affect patients and transmit germs into their body, which is harmful for them. We discussed the importance of short sleeves in protecting patients from germs. Different studies and discussions found out that wearing long sleeves for several hours could pile up germs and could have an impact on the patient as the Doctors/ Nurses have to treat and look after several patients in a day. Hence, this aspect must be considered before adopting a particular clothing.

In the operating room, it is advisable to wear sleeve, than to totally avoid sleeves. According to studies conducted by various UK scientist, wearing a non sleeve uniform can affect and transfer germs to the person treating the patient. It may lead to transfer of germs. Hence, the treating staff must wear preferably half sleeves uniform to not only protect themselves, but also the patients.

In the recent past, there has been a lot of discussion about the clothing of Nurses and Doctors, when treating patients. Initially, it was thought that the medical persons should be wearing full sleeves in order to protect patients from germs and infections. However, recently studies show that wearing full sleeves is not the way to go and due to these full sleeves, patients are exposed to germs and many infections. It is said that due to wearing full sleeves for long hours, these insects pile up and they are harmful. In this paper, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wearing full sleeves and what should be the appropriate manner.

Originally surgeons did not wear any type of special clothing until the 20th century. Surgical procedures were performed in a theater where the surgeon wore his street clothes with butcher's apron to protect the blood stains and it works with bare hands by using non-sterile supplies and instruments. The sutures were made from silk and guts and were sold with reusable needles. Packing gauze was made from the sweepings in the cotton mills. Today cleanliness is emphasized to reduce infection and disorder on his clothes (Tighe, Phillips, 2007).

In 1918, the surgeon began to wear masks to protect themselves from disease of the patient. The operating room personnel began wearing rubber gloves to protect themselves from solutions they used to clean equipment and the room, surgeons have followed suit. In the 1940s, the science of wound infection led to the adoption of antiseptic use gowns and drapes in the operating room.

The dress of the operating room was always white to give the appearance of cleanliness. In the 1950s and 1960s hospitals changed the look from pure white to green, which gave a high contrast, bright red blood was less noticeable and there was reduced eyestrain.

Surgical clothing in the 1970s reached its current state, the short sleeve V-neck shirt and drawstring pants or short sleeve calf-length dress made from cotton or cotton / poly ...