A new study conducted by researchers at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati, Ohio found that many fabrics used in hospitals serve as fertile fields for infection-causing fungi and bacteria. Researchers tested the survival of many different fungal strains on several different fabrics, including polyester, cotton and cotton-polyester blends. Some fungi were able to survive more than 25 days. In addition, fungi seemed to thrive on synthetic fabrics.

Researchers are hoping to find a way to combat the development of these infectious agents. This study confirms that infections may be spread through medical facilities by clothing and other fabrics. While health care professionals are generally diligent in scrubbing their hands after working with patients, clothing, especially long sleeve shirts, may spread infections from patient to patient.

As a result of this study, some hospitals prohibit long sleeve clothing and require health care workers to scrub their forearms in addition to their hands after working with each patient.