Letter to the Editor

Greens Could Be Bad for You: A Study of the Inappropriate Use of Theater Greens

Authors: Jennifer K. O'Neill, MRCS, Phillipa Rust, MRCS, Dominique Knight, MRCS, David M. Ricketts, FCRS Orth

Abstract

Theater greens are a clean uniform for the theater suite. Their purpose is to help reduce the transfer of organisms from other hospital areas into the theater suite.


In the UK the NATN (National Association of Theater Nurses) recommend that “all personnel should change into outer clothes when leaving the perioperative environment and don a new set of theater attire upon their return.”1 Several studies have suggested that cover gowns or white coats ought to be worn over theater greens if they are used outside the theater suite.2,3

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References

1.National Associationof Theatre Nurses. Principles of safe practice in the perioperative environment. NATN Harrogate, 1989.
 
2.Copp G, Mailhot CB, Zaler M, et al. Cover gowns and the control of operating room contamination.Nursing research 1986;35:263–268.
 
3.Woodhead K, Taylor EW, Bannister G, et al. Behaviours and rituals in the operating theatre. A Report from the Hospital Infection Society Working Party on Infection Control in Operating Theatres. J Hosp Inf2002;51:241–255.
 
4.Nagai I, Kadota M, Takechi M. Studies on the mode of bacterial contamination of an operating theatre corridor floor. J Hosp Inf 1984;15:50–55.
 
5.McGrath B. Prize Letter. BMA News 2003, July 12.