Why uniform rules are becoming an infection control issue

Veterinary practices are being urged to treat uniforms as part of infection control, not just dress code. In a Vet Times commentary, Jane Davidson argues staff should wear uniforms only on practice premises and change before travelling home or stopping at public places such as shops, pubs, or hospitals. That position aligns with broader infection prevention guidance in both human and veterinary settings: NHS England says changing at work or covering uniforms during travel is considered good practice, even though evidence directly linking uniforms worn outside work to infection spread is limited, and veterinary infection control guidance from AAHA states protective outerwear should not be worn outside the work environment. (england.nhs.uk)

The issue isn’t theoretical. RCVS Knowledge summarized research from a referral hospital showing bacterial contamination on scrubs during clinical shifts, including Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, beta-haemolytic streptococci, and E. coli, with about two-thirds of surveyed staff saying they did not regularly change work clothing before travelling home. A recent review in Animal Health Research Reviews goes further, stating staff commuting should “always” do so in street clothes and that clinical attire should not be worn on public or private transport, while also stressing the need for changing rooms and lockers to make compliance realistic. (rcvsknowledge.org)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is really about systems, culture, and reputation. Uniform policies can help reduce fomite risk, support antimicrobial stewardship and biosecurity efforts, and show pet parents that the practice takes hygiene seriously. But policies only work if practices back them with basics such as adequate changing space, laundry expectations, clear PPE rules, and consistent enforcement. Human healthcare guidance also notes employers should provide suitable changing facilities when staff must wear special clothing, which is a useful benchmark for veterinary employers reviewing their own infection control protocols. (aaha.org)

What to watch: Expect more practices to formalize uniform, laundry, and commuting rules as part of wider infection prevention audits and staff training. (rcvsknowledge.org)