This study examined the hypothesis that the wearing of plastic aprons during direct patient contact would reduce significantly the number of bacteria carried on nurses’ uniforms, and therefore reduce the probability of the transmission of nosocomial infections. Current nursing practices and overall bacterial uniform contamination levels were investigated, as well as the effects of the wearing of plastic aprons to protect uniforms. The conclusions of the study demonstrate that such contamination may be a significant contributory factor in the spread of nosocomial infections, and have implications not only for the nursing profession, but also for other members of the multidisciplinary team. In next week’s Nursing Standard, the author examines the difficulties of putting research into practice.