Effect of jewellery on surface bacterial counts of operating theatres

Twenty items of three jewellery types were studied. Finger rings, nose and ear piercings increased local surface bacterial counts when in situ, and especially after removal (P < 0.0001). Although in the UK the National Association of Theatre Nurses' guidelines suggest that all jewellery should be removed before scrubbing, we suggest that jewellery worn on noses and ears should be left in situ and covered by masks and hats, respectively. The effect of jewellery on skin disinfection needs further study before guidelines can be made concerning finger rings. (C) 2002 The Hospital Infection Society.