JAMA Internal Medicine published the study.
Here are five observations:
1. Healthcare providers follow a strict process with their PPE: they put on gloves, see a patient, take off gloves and throw them away.
2. The researchers put fluorescent lotion on PPE to resemble an infectious “bug,” and asked healthcare providers to remove their PPE.
3. Dr. Tomas then viewed the participating healthcare workers under black light, looking for the remnants of the fluorescent lotion.
4. The researchers spotted the lotion on providers’ hands, arms, neck, face, hair and clothing.
5. The study results indicate infections may be easily spread from one patient to the next if healthcare workers don’t cautiously remove their PPE.
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