Comments on: The Fall of a Tradition?

By: Glen

Glen — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:37:29 +0000

Consider the surface area of the arms and hands from eblows to finger tips.
Then consider a .5mm layer of 64% ETOH alcohol gel sanitizer over that surface area.

Assume 25% of that ETOH makes it to blood stream.

A thorough sanitizing for each patient encounter could make the ED a most pleasant place to work-though you might need to take a cab home.

By: thales

thales — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:35:52 +0000

As a dentist, I do many rather messy procedures on a daily basis. I also consult with patients in a non-surgical environment, also on a daily basis.

I like to wear the white coat with necktie in situations where infection control or stains are not a big consideration. It still needs to be well laundered and fresh.

For surgical (outpatient only) or infection control situations I like the disposable gown that covers everything from wrist to neckline. It gets changed whenever there has been any reasonable risk of significant contamination, or if there is any visible stain on it. They are not expensive compared to the cost of laundering and the risk control benefit.

By: WWWebb

WWWebb — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:05:09 +0000

There is the classical approach: black ones to hide the grime and blood.

It was good enough for the 19th century…

By: Finn Haddie

Finn Haddie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:57:52 +0000

3-4 weeks between washings for your white coat? Yes, you must be a slob. Mine was washed at least weekly–and I was just a ward clerk with no direct patient contact. (Yes, white coats on ward clerks is ridiculous, but my stupid dinky hospital insisted.)

Instead of eliminating white coats, why don’t hospitals just require that they be laundered every so many days? They’re laundering sheets & scrubs anyway; how much more work can it be to add in white coats?

By: SumDood

SumDood — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:35:03 +0000

I commented on this issue on WhiteCoat’s old site, and why, as has been stated, this philosophy is flawed:
http://whitecoatrants.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/filthy-lab-jackets/#comment-8441

BTW, the quote works for lesbians, too.

By: WWWebb

WWWebb — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:15:32 +0000

@Albinoblackbear: Just scoped your blog.

You’re added to my RSS collection.

I’ll give you another original halfwitticism:

“Population density is a phrase that has two meanings.”

Zings right past about 95 percent of those who hear it, thus validating its accuracy.

Again, QED.

Good luck with the med school.

If they made all doctors become nurses first, IMHO the MDCSR** would be greatly improved.

WWWebb

** M.D. common-sense ratio (ducks, runs)

By: WWWebb

WWWebb — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:56:21 +0000

@VK: I work in IT. What this means is, if *I’m* in a suit and tie, it’s a sign that somebody’s either gettin’ married or buried.

If there are not clinical studies that prove that the wearing of neckties is a major cause of impaired blood flow to the brain, then there should be.

Look at who all wears the damn things these days, and the resultant quality of their decision-making…QED.

@Albinoblackbear: Two compliments in one thread?

(blushes)

Awww, shucks, y’all.

By: Albinoblackbear

Albinoblackbear — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:34:04 +0000

wwwebb–Your quote is hilarious and completely apt. I plan to make it my next (completely non sequitur post.)

By: VK

VK — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:18:16 +0000

I sure wouldn’t mind a recommendation against wearing ties…

Also, I must be a slob. I never wash ties and wear my white coat 3-4 weeks before washing it…

By: WWWebb

WWWebb — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:10:03 +0000

@EM: I am honored, and glad that you like it.

Use freely, with attribution if appropriate.