In response to the news report covering the laundry frequency of doctors' white coats included in the research report - "Safety Concerns about Biological Hazards in Medical Institute" released by the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH), Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) has invited IOSH to attend the 1st Chart Meeting in 2008 organized by the Nosocomial Infection Control Advisory Committee of the Department of Health (DOH) on January 23, 2008 to disclose further details regarding the results of the research report and to discuss related research reports published by other countries and the infection control guidelines implemented by European and American countries. It is generally agreed among the Committee members that there is no epidemiological link between microbiological contaminants and the laundry frequency of doctors' white coats, nor it seems likely that the uniforms of medical related personnel are a significant source of cross-infection.  In addition, as of now, no governmental or international guidelines have ever made recommendation or formulated regulation in relation to the frequency and manner of washing of medical uniforms.  However, it is deemed necessary to take the significance of infection control and public confidence and perceptions into consideration when devising national policies.
    Hence, during the 1st Chart Meeting, the Nosocomial Infection Control Advisory Committee has proposed the following recommendations for medical professional work wear for compliance of related parties:
  1. Change immediately if uniforms (including the covering white coat) become visibly soiled or contaminated. Always maintain tidiness and cleanliness of medical professional work wear.
  2. Medical institutions should provide sufficient uniforms (including the covering white coat) for change, and appropriate laundry services.
  3. For the purpose of maintaining cleanliness, the under-uniforms should be changed for washing on shift basis.
  4. Avoid washing uniforms (including the covering white coat) together with patient linen or other wears.
  5. Uniforms (including the covering white coat) should not be worn to non-clinical work areas.
    Besides, the research report released by IOSH has also shown that medical personnel are more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory diseases and skin diseases in comparison with administration personnel, which reflects that medical personnel are at higher risk of contracting infection while working. Therefore, it is highly recommended that medical personnel follow the basic infection control principles, including using personal protective equipment such as masks and isolation suits when necessary and improving compliance with hand hygiene to ensure the health of medical personnel and patients.
    In view of the fact that patient safety has become an important issue in the world, Taiwan CDC urges all medical institutions and the related personnel to implement nosocomial infection control measures with a patient-centered spirit in order to meet the challenge of patient safety first. Taiwan CDC will continue to review the national guidelines for nosocomial infection control in other countries and perform related studies, which will serve as the basis for promoting related nosocomial infection control policies.