healthcare textiles & laundry
healthcare textiles & laundry
By Gregory Gicewicz
Dry and Mighty : A Closer Look at the Crucial Role of Drying in Healthcare Textile Safety
In our world of healthcare laundry , we often say , “ Getting healthcare textiles clean is a straightforward task , but the true test lies in ensuring they stay clean right up to the moment they reach the patient .” We often focus on identifying and correcting some common sources of linen contamination including dirty air , unclean hands , soiled linen carts , inadequate tunnel washer processes , and contaminated surfaces . While these are all dangerous and prevalent , now let ’ s delve into an invisible threat whose consequences have been deadly . That is the threat of inadequately dried healthcare textiles .
This article delves into three crucial facets of healthcare textile drying , addressing key aspects :
➊ The various methods employed in drying healthcare textiles .
➋ The potential hazards associated with inadequately dried healthcare textiles .
➌ Strategies to guarantee optimal drying of healthcare textiles .
Clean healthcare textiles are typically dried using one of five methods :
➊ Tumble Drying : Utilizing hot air circulation , these dryers efficiently remove moisture from textiles . Commercial-grade dryers , often equipped with advanced features like moisture sensors , ensure thorough drying . They can be standalone or part of a larger tunnel washing system .
➋ Air Drying : Some healthcare textiles undergo natural drying on lines or racks , an eco-friendly method suitable for delicate items . Though eco-conscious , air drying may extend drying times , and requires abundant extra space in the laundry .
➌ Steam Drying : This method uses steam to remove moisture , proving effective and energy-efficient , especially in garment drying tunnels .
➍ Flatwork Ironing : High-capacity systems like flatwork ironers are used for specific flatwork healthcare textiles , providing both drying and pressing in a single step .
➎ Steam Pressing : Steam presses are employed to finish and dry specialty healthcare textiles like cubicle curtains and lab coats .
Achieving precision in the drying process requires meticulous attention to detail across all methods , considering factors such as textile type , initial moisture content , load size , drying device temperature , speed , desired finished product temperature , and drying time . Misalignment or oversight in addressing these variables can lead to undesirable outcomes , emphasizing the critical importance of precision in the drying process .
The consequences of over-drying include damaged linen , patient skin irritation , and increased environmental impact . On the other hand , under-drying can lead to damp textiles , fostering the growth of pathogens that cause Healthcare Associated Infections ( HAIs ). Various bacteria , fungi , and , to a lesser extent , viruses thrive in warm , moist conditions , posing risks to patient safety and contributing to an unsanitary healthcare environment .
Pathogens that may thrive on healthcare textiles :
Bacteria :
●Clostridium difficile ( C . difficile ): Causes colitis and gastrointestinal issues .
●Staphylococcus aureus : Associated with skin infections .
●Pseudomonas aeruginosa : Known for thriving in moist environments .
●Enterococcus faecalis : Commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract .
Fungi :
●Mucormycosis : Caused by molds linked to contaminated linen .
●Candida albicans : Causes candidiasis or yeast infections .
●Aspergillus spp .: Certain species can grow in damp environments .
Viruses :
●Adenovirus : May persist for a limited time in a moist environment .
Strategies for Optimal Drying :
➊ Follow Manufacturer Guidelines : Adhere to laundering and drying guidelines for specific healthcare textiles , including recommended temperatures and drying times .
➋ Sort Textiles Appropriately : Categorize textiles based on fabric type , color , and soil level to ensure an even and efficient drying process .
➌ Control Load Sizes : Tight control of load sizes , especially for tumble dryers , is critical to prevent over-drying or under-drying .
➍ Invest in Proper Drying Equipment : Commercial-grade equipment with features like moisture sensors ensures optimal drying conditions .
➎ Monitor Drying Times : Set appropriate drying times based on textile type and load size to avoid fabric damage or microbial growth .
➏ Perform Regular Maintenance : Schedule routine maintenance for drying equipment to ensure efficient functionality .
➐ Meticulous Equipment Cleaning : Establish and enforce a robust equipment hygiene program to prevent lint and dust accumulation .
➑ Measure , Monitor , and Tune Drying Results : Implement a process monitoring program to regularly check finished textiles , ironer chest temperatures , and drying equipment .
In conclusion , achieving optimal healthcare textile drying requires meticulous attention and a comprehensive strategy to mitigate risks and uphold patient safety . From cleaning to drying , understanding the consequences of inadequately dried linens is vital . By adhering to guidelines , sorting textiles judiciously , controlling load sizes , investing in proper equipment , monitoring drying times , conducting regular maintenance , and prioritizing equipment hygiene , healthcare facilities can master the art of optimal textile drying . This holistic approach ensures the efficiency of the drying process , maintains excellent hygiene standards , and safeguards the well-being of patients . It underscores the critical role of healthcare textiles in the broader landscape of patient care .
Gregory Gicewicz is the president and CEO of Compliance Shark , a business compliance platform , as well as past-president of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council ( HLAC ). He may be reached at : gregory @ complianceshark . com
february 2024 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com •
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