Doctors' White Coats May Spread Bacteria

BOSTON (CBS) -- When you think of doctors, you probably picture them in their iconic white coats.

But according to an article in today's Boston Globe, a growing number of doctors believe those coats should be retired. The concern is not one of fashion, but rather of infection.

As doctors tend to wear their coats from patient to patient, and the coats aren't always washed on a regular basis, there is potential for bacteria and other germs to be spread.

Though there is no documented proof that the white coats could spread an infection to a patient, some medical professionals believe a theoretical risk does exist.

Some even suggest doctors either wear short sleeves or roll their sleeves up in order to minimize that risk.