Silicone Rings and Bacteria: What Healthcare Workers Should Know

If you are like many healthcare workers out there, you are always looking for better ways to care for your patients, and you’re very conscious about the things you do that could be harmful to your patients. One question that comes up for both metal rings and silicone wedding rings (an increasingly popular choice for healthcare workers) – will my ring harbor bacteria? 

Whether you’re a nurse, physician, or other front-line healthcare worker, it’s important to understand whether your jewelry is safe or should be kept off during your shift. 

Studies into Ring Safety

There has long been a debate about whether it’s safe to wear rings when you are caring for patients. Some hospitals or care facilities have policies against wearing rings for various patient safety reasons (such as in a NICU or in surgery), but most allow you to wear one as long as you can keep it clean. A study published in Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control in 2013 found that there is no evidence of increased hospital-acquired infections (HAI) or bacterial transmission when someone is wearing a wedding ring. 

Silicone and Medical Care

Silicone as a material has been shown to be very effective for all types of medical devices, which is why it’s so widely used in the field of medicine. Choosing a silicone ring that is made with medical-grade silicone gives you the same level of quality materials that are approved for a variety of medical and healthcare applications. However, it’s important to note that while silicone is a generally safe material, bacteria and other things can colonize on its surface. The risk of bacteria colonization increases if you have other things on your ring, such as blood or dirt that could breed bacteria. 

Keeping Your Silicone Rings Clean

Beyond the bacteria concerns, many healthcare workers choose silicone wedding rings because they are more comfortable to wear throughout the day, they can easily fit under gloves without causing damage, and if something happens to your ring it’s easy and affordable to replace it. 

While there is no clear evidence that these rings can harbor bacteria, it’s important that you still keep your silicone wedding ring clean. You can wash it with soap and warm water after every shift, and if it gets something on it that won’t come off with soap, you can boil it or toss it in the dishwasher for a more thorough cleaning. 

To find the perfect silicone ring that allows you to continue to do your job as a healthcare worker safely and effectively, check out Enso Rings huge selection today.