No Neckties for the Docs?

You've probably heard news reports about people who develop infections as patients in the hospital. Poorly sterilized utensils you might think. Or the staff not properly washing their hands. Or maybe there really is a fly in your soup.

All possibilities, but we've overlooked something rather obvious --- the doctor's necktie. It doesn't make you sick because it's in bad taste, a hideous color or loud enough to wake the surgical patients. It makes you sick because it could be teeming with bacteria. A veritable Manhattan of germs held in place by a Windsor knot.

Imagine where that tie has been all day -- or maybe you'd rather not. The Doc has been examining patients with a variety of ailments and diseases. And now it's your turn to watch that silk petri dish dangling over your sick bed.

It's not just neckties. According to an AMA study, there is some evidence that other clothing items and accessories spread disease as well. The group is developing dress code policies to minimize the problem, but they'll have to catch up with medicos in the UK. They've had a dress code since 2007 that requires medical personnel to be jewelry and clothing free below the elbows.

So if your doctor isn't wearing a tie next time you see him, remember that he's not just getting a head start on casual Friday.