healthcare textiles & laundry
healthcare textiles & laundry
By Gregory Gicewicz
The Critical Role of Processing Specialty Healthcare Textiles : Introducing “ Textdevices ”
Imagine you ’ re a surgeon mid-operation , working on a complex , high-risk case . Suddenly , the surgical gown meant to shield you begins to fail , exposing you to potential infection risks . Though hypothetical , this unsettling scenario underscores a real issue : the essential need for proper processing of specialty healthcare textiles . These textiles — more accurately called “ textdevices ”— are not just fabrics ; they are regulated medical devices requiring precise handling to ensure both staff and patient safety .
Over the years , I ’ ve grappled with the challenges of managing these specialized items in healthcare settings . Realizing the need for clarity , I coined the term “ textdevices ” to describe healthcare textiles that straddle the line between fabric and medical device . Textdevices require unique handling due to their regulatory , functional , or structural complexity . By understanding their distinct needs , hospitals and laundries can reduce risk , protect patients and staff , and control costs .
What are Textdevices ?
To better grasp the concept , let ’ s distinguish textdevices from general healthcare textiles . While standard items like sheets , towels , and gowns fall under “ bulk textiles ,” textdevices include specialty items with unique processing requirements . These can range from surgical drapes to antimicrobial curtains , each requiring careful handling to maintain functionality and safety . Here are some common types of textdevices :
1 . Operating Room ( OR ) Textiles : Items such as sterile gown packs , towel packs , and surgical drapes . These are critical for maintaining sterile fields during surgeries .
2 . Isolation Gowns : Personal protective equipment ( PPE ) designed to prevent the spread of infections among healthcare workers and patients .
3 . Cubicle Curtains : Privacy dividers often overlooked in infection control protocols . These must be regularly cleaned and properly tracked to ensure safety .
4 . Microfiber Cleaning Devices : Mops , cloths , and dusters used for environmental cleaning . They require special laundering to maintain their effectiveness .
5 . Patient Lift Slings : Devices for transferring patients with limited mobility . These often feature fabric and mesh components , making them prone to damage in standard laundry cycles .
6 . Patient Positioning Devices : Used to stabilize patients during procedures or routine care , these may include foam inserts , straps , or other components requiring careful handling .
7 . NICU Textiles : Linens and clothing used for newborns in neonatal intensive care units , requiring soft materials and hygienically clean processing .
8 . Antimicrobial Textiles : Items treated with substances to reduce microbial growth . Improper laundering can degrade their antimicrobial properties .
9 . Hyperbaric Textiles : Linens used in hyperbaric chambers , often made of flame-retardant materials that require low-heat drying and special handling .
10 . Gait Belts and Patient Restraints : These combine fabric with metal components , creating challenges in washing and drying cycles .
11 . Blood Pressure Cuffs : A hybrid of textiles and medical equipment , these require cleaning protocols that balance hygiene with device integrity .
By recognizing these as textdevices , hospitals and laundries can better address their unique needs and processing requirements .
The Challenges of Managing Textdevices Textdevices present logistical and operational challenges that go beyond standard textiles . Many are regulated as Class II medical devices , requiring specific cleaning , labeling , and sterilization processes . Mixing these with bulk textiles can result in damage or contamination , while improper handling can lead to compliance failures and increased infection risks .
For example , cubicle curtains , often touched by numerous people , are notorious for being overlooked in infection control . Without proper laundering and tracking , these can become vectors for disease transmission , as seen in hypothetical cases of highly contagious conditions like meningococcal meningitis . This underscores the importance of rigorous protocols for all textdevices .
Lessons From the Laundry Industry
In my early days as the CEO of a healthcare laundry , I encountered a costly incident involving damaged textdevices . A load containing improperly sorted cubicle curtains , OR towels , and gait belts led to over $ 2,000 in losses . The root cause ? Inadequate training of a wash deck employee .
From this experience , we revamped our processes , prioritizing employee education and detailed protocols . The result was a significant reduction in errors and improved trust with hospital partners . This experience taught me that proper management of textdevices is not just about compliance — it ’ s about accountability and partnership .
How to Effectively Manage Textdevices Managing textdevices requires a structured approach :
1 . Create an Inventory Hospitals must maintain a detailed inventory of all textiles , categorized by location and ownership . This helps identify textdevices and their specific needs .
2 . Understand Processing Requirements Textdevices often require special handling , such as
22 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • december 2024