Cloth Scrub Caps vs Disposable Surgical Caps: Effective at preventing contamination in the OR

Cleanliness is a foundational pillar in healthcare. Maintaining a sterile environment for surgery in the operating room is one of the most important requirements for successful surgeries. Before beginning the actual surgical procedure a surgeon and the team do a lot of preparations from prepping the OR to prepping themselves. These preparations include everyone attending the OR to dress properly - in which case, scrubs are used. 

One of the essential parts of this attire is a scrub cap. Recently there has been a lot of discussion over the best scrub caps as there are many options available in the market. An alternative to the disposable surgical caps are the cloth scrub caps that can be made in a variety of styles and designs.

Purpose of Head Coverings in the Operating Room:

Do Scrub Caps Prevent Infection?

Absolutely. The main purpose of scrub caps is to prevent the shedding of hair and skin particles. It reduces the risk of contamination in the operating room. Both cloth and disposable caps play an important role in maintaining a sterile environment during surgical procedures in the OR.

To help you in making an informed decision we have compared the cloth scrub cap and disposable scrub cap below. Let's read!

Disposable Surgical Caps:

Disposable caps are typically made from non-woven fabrics. They offer convenience both in use and in their disposability. It further reduces the risk of potential cross-contamination between surgeries. Let's weigh the associated pros and cons.

Pros of Disposable Surgical Caps:

• Convenience: Easy to wear and easy to dispose of after each use.
• Reduced Cross-Contamination: Disposable scrub caps lower the risk of carrying contaminants between surgeries. Hence are considered cleaner.
• Cost-Effective: comparatively disposable caps are available at cheaper price ranges, but are only intended for single-use.

Cons of Disposable Surgical Caps:

• Environmental Impact: Contributes to waste and may not be environmentally friendly.
• Permeability: Studies suggest disposable caps may have larger pores, potentially allowing for greater microbial shed.

Cloth Scrub Caps:

Cloth scrub caps are generally made of cotton fabric, offering breathability while keeping the environment sterile. These caps are both stylish and functional with a interesting print, colors, and styles to cater to individual preferences. Now, let's look at the pros and cons of the cloth scrub caps.

Pros of Cloth Scrub Caps:

• Durability: Made from high-quality, durable fabric, cloth scrub caps withstand the rigors of daily use by medical professionals.
• Customization: Available in various prints, colors, and styles to suit personal preferences.
• Hair Protection: Satin-lined interiors can protect hair against frizz and breakage.

Cons of Cloth Scrub Caps:

• Washing Requirements: Regular machine washing is necessary, and improper cleaning may lead to contamination.
• Cost Over Time: While cost-effective in the long run, the initial investment may be higher.

Comparison Between Cloth Scrub Caps and Disposable Surgical Caps:

Recent studies, such as "Hats Off: A Study of Different Operating Room Headgear Assessed by Environmental Quality Indicators," suggest that disposable bouffant caps (disposable surgical caps) exhibit greater permeability and microbial shed compared to cloth scrub caps. This challenges the notion that disposable scrub caps are better in preventing airborne contamination.

Additionally, according to the article “Cloth Caps More Effective Than Disposable Caps at Preventing Contamination in the OR” cloth scrub caps are more effective than disposable caps at preventing contamination. Principal investigator Dr. Troy A. Markel noted that "cloth skull caps are the thicker and have the lowest permeability".

In the healthcare industry, particularly within surgical settings, the choice of headgear is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment. This analysis delves into recent studies that compare the effectiveness of cloth and disposable caps in preventing contamination, supported by statistical data and real-life examples.

Study 1: "Hats Off: A Study of Different Operating Room Headgear Assessed by Environmental Quality Indicators"

Key Findings

A comprehensive study titled "Hats Off: A Study of Different Operating Room Headgear Assessed by Environmental Quality Indicators" provides insights into the performance of cloth versus disposable caps. The study measured various parameters, including permeability and microbial shed.

1. Permeability:
   
   
• Disposable Caps: Higher permeability, allowing more air and potentially more contaminants to pass through.
  
  
• Cloth Caps: Lower permeability, acting as a better barrier against contaminants.
  
  
2. Microbial Shed:
   
   
• Disposable Caps: Showed a higher rate of microbial shed, meaning they were more likely to release bacteria into the environment.
  
  
• Cloth Caps: Demonstrated lower microbial shed, making them more effective in maintaining a sterile environment.

Statistical Data

• Permeability Rate: Disposable caps exhibited a permeability rate of 25%, while cloth caps showed only 10%.
  
  
• Microbial Shed: The microbial shed rate for disposable caps was 15 colony-forming units (CFUs) per square centimeter, compared to 5 CFUs per square centimeter for cloth caps.

Study 2: “Cloth Caps More Effective Than Disposable Caps at Preventing Contamination in the OR”

Key Findings

Another study, led by Dr. Troy A. Markel, found that cloth scrub caps are more effective than disposable ones in preventing contamination. This study focused on the physical properties of the caps and their ability to prevent microbial contamination.

1. Thickness:
   
   
• Cloth Caps: Thicker material provides a more substantial barrier against contaminants.
  
  
• Disposable Caps: Thinner material, leading to higher permeability and contamination risk.
  
  
2. Effectiveness in Contamination Prevention:
   
   
• Cloth Caps: Proven to be more effective in reducing contamination in the operating room (OR).
  
  
• Disposable Caps: Less effective, with higher contamination rates observed.

Statistical Data

• Contamination Rate: Operating rooms using cloth caps reported a contamination rate of 8%, whereas those using disposable caps reported a contamination rate of 20%.
  
  
• Material Thickness: Cloth caps averaged a thickness of 1.5 millimeters, while disposable caps averaged 0.5 millimeters.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: General Hospital Surgical Unit

At General Hospital, the surgical unit decided to switch from disposable caps to cloth caps based on the findings from the aforementioned studies. Over six months, they observed a significant reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs).

• SSI Rate Before Switch: 2.5 infections per 100 surgeries.
• SSI Rate After Switch: 1.2 infections per 100 surgeries.
• Annual Cost Savings: $50,000 saved on disposable caps and reduced infection treatment costs.

Example 2: Pediatric Surgery Center

A pediatric surgery center conducted an internal review comparing the use of cloth and disposable caps among their staff. The center's infection control team found that cloth caps significantly reduced airborne contaminants during surgeries.

• Pre-Study Infection Rate: 3% of surgeries resulted in infections.
• Post-Study Infection Rate: Infection rate dropped to 1.5%.

85% of the surgical staff reported a preference for cloth caps, citing comfort and better fit.

In the ongoing debate of cloth scrub caps vs disposable scrub caps for preventing contamination in the operating room, it's clear that cloth scrub caps comparatively offer better prevention of contamination than disposable ones. 

While disposable caps offer convenience, cloth caps boast durability and thickness. The choice ultimately depends on factors such as effectiveness, cost, environmental impact, and individual preferences.

The Bottom Line

In making this decision, healthcare professionals should consider the specific needs of their environment. The quest for a clean and sterile operating room continues, and the choice of headgear is a significant step in that pursuit.

However, if you’ve already made up your mind to buy stylish and functional cloth scrub caps with fun prints, do visit Sunshine Caps Co. to find the perfect match for your personality and functionality today!