Abstract

BARUA STOCK, Ingrid Micaela et al. Presence of Microbiological Contaminants in Lab Coats of Technicians from a Research Center. Rep. cient. FACEN [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.2, pp.96-103. ISSN 2222-145X.  https://doi.org/10.18004/rcfacen.2021.12.2.96.

The lab coat is a protective element for people who work in health and research that separates them from pollutants. However, if used improperly, it can be a source of microbiological contamination. This study was carried out to determine the microbial load of bacteria, fungi and yeasts present in the coats of the technicians of a research center of the National University of Asunción. Twelve people working at the center were surveyed and samples were taken from the pockets, forearm, and lower back of their gowns for colony counting with a manual colony counter. The study revealed that the highest average number of colony-forming units at 48 h occurred in the 50-year age range. Regarding the place where they keep their gowns, 67% of the participants indicated that they leave them hanging on the laboratory coat rack, 17% in their car, 8% in their home closet and 8% in their purse, being the median CFU in car stowed gowns of 84, the highest. In conclusion, technician coats are heavily contaminated and proper maintenance and handling practices must be applied to minimize contamination.

Keywords : white coat; microbiological; technicians; research center.

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