Use of textiles impregnated with antimicrobials in health services: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To describe the existing evidence on the feasibility of using textiles impregnated with antimicrobial substances in the prevention and control of microbial transmission in health services. Method: Integrative review, using databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing Literature and Allied Health (CINAHL), Scopus and Latin American Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), without restriction of language and period of publication. After searching the scientific literature, seven studies were selected for analysis as to the type of textile and application used for impregnation, applicability in the health service and reduction of microbial load. Results: Silver nanoparticles and copper oxide were the main antimicrobial substances used for textile impregnation. The use of these textiles by patients, such as hospitality clothes and clothing, is more effective in reducing the microbial load compared to the use as a uniform by health professionals. Conclusion: The use of textiles impregnated with antimicrobial substances, especially by patients, can be considered a viable alternative in the prevention and control of microbial transmission in health services. However, the implementation of these textiles as a uniform for health professionals, still needs further investigation regarding the reduction of microbial load in practice.