An Albuquerque, N.M., television station had samples of beard swabs sent to a Quest Diagnostics location for examination and found 'fecal like' bacteria which surprised microbiologist John Golobic.
Although not a scientific study, the report has now gone viral across the internet, sparking discussion about clinical quality and hygiene.
Here are four notes on beard hygiene:
1. Beard hygiene does have medical research. In a study in Journal of Hospital Infection, 408 male healthcare workers' facial hair was compared and found some bacteria was more dominant in workers without facial hair, reports Tech Times.
2. The same study also notes beards may reduce the chances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus.
3. Researchers noted facial masks should be worn by healthcare workers regardless of if the worker has facial hair.
4. Beard washing and hand washing as frequently as possible is the best option quality, sterile healthcare environment.
More on infection control & quality:
5 key quotes from NPSF president on patient safety culture
Physician office injection leads to hep. C: 4 things to know
Augmenting a gas naturally in our bodies fights RSV infection
