that the chance of a patient having an HAI linked to contact with a laundered , reusable textile is approximately 1 in 14,900 . This suggests that the risk is relatively low , especially when compared to other potential sources of HAIs . The study also highlighted the importance of proper laundry practices in reducing the risk of HAIs from reusable HCTs . These practices include a laundry process that renders the HCTs hygienically clean .
Healthcare Textiles and Infection Risk : A Comprehensive Analysis
Healthcare textiles can potentially harbor a variety of microorganisms . Some of the most common microorganisms found on hospital textiles include Gram-negative bacteria , coagulase-negative staphylococci , Bacillus species , and typical skin flora . In some instances , certain infections have presumably been transmitted from contaminated textiles and fabrics to workers via direct contact or aerosols of contaminated lint generated from sorting and handling contaminated textiles . These include bacteria ( Salmonella spp ., Bacillus cereus ), viruses ( hepatitis B virus [ HBV ]), fungi ( Microsporum canis ), and ectoparasites ( scabies ). However , it ’ s important to note that the overall risk of disease transmission during the laundry process is considered to be low when proper control measures are in place . These control measures include the use of personal protective equipment , proper work practices , containment , labeling , hazard communication , and ergonomics .
Mycobacterium Infections and Healthcare Textiles
Mycobacterium infections can potentially be associated with healthcare textiles , although such instances are relatively rare . Nontuberculous mycobacteria ( NTM ) are naturally found in dust , soil , and water . These organisms are related to the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy , but NTM does not cause these diseases . Everyone breathes in NTM , but only some people get sick . NTM infections have been identified in healthcare settings such as hospitals . The bacteria have been associated with catheter-associated bloodstream infections and other device- and water-related infections . It is important to note that the overall risk of disease transmission during the laundry process is considered low when proper control measures are in place .
Home Laundering vs Professional
Laundering of Healthcare Textiles Home Laundering
Pros : Convenience : Home laundering can be more convenient for healthcare workers as they can wash their uniforms at their own pace and time .
Cost Savings : Home laundering costs the employer nothing , but it is a cost burden to healthcare workers .
Cons :
Inadequate Decontamination : Domestic hot water heaters typically will not heat water to temperatures high enough to effectively kill all pathogens . Therefore the five essential points of effective machine laundering are not present : time , temperature , agitation , rinsing , and chemicals .
Cross-Contamination Risk : There is a risk of cross-contamination of laundry textiles during disrobing , temporary storage in a laundry hamper , in the home environment , and in an ineffective laundering process .
Inconsistent Standards : Home laundering lacks the standardized processes and quality controls -- time , temperature , agitation , rinsing , chemicals , and appropriate drying temperature and time - found in professional laundering .
Professional or Commercial Laundering Pros :
Effective Decontamination : Professional laundries use industrial-grade machines and chemicals that can effectively decontaminate healthcare textiles .
Quality Control : Professional laundries follow strict standards and regulations , ensuring consistent quality .
Mitigation of Cross-Contamination Risk : Professional laundries have procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination during transport and storage .
Cons :
Cost : Professional laundering services can be more expensive than home laundering .
Logistical Challenges : Coordinating pickup and delivery times with a professional laundry service can be challenging .
Healthcare-Accredited Laundry
Healthcare-accredited laundry facilities are recommended because they meet the highest standards for processing healthcare textiles , including strict adherence to federal government regulations and guidelines . Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to excellence , guarantees the highest hygiene and safety standards , and provides a competitive advantage .
While healthcare textiles could potentially pose a risk in healthcare settings , the risk is relatively low when proper laundry practices are followed . 14
Effective Laundry Practices for Reducing HAIs from Reusable HCTs
Effective laundry practices are crucial in mitigating the risk of healthcare-associated infections ( HAIs ) from reusable healthcare textiles ( HCTs ). Here are some key practices :
➊ Proper Handling : Always wear moisture resistant disposable gloves before handling soiled linen . Reusable gloves may cause dermatitis . Never carry soiled linen against the body . Always place it in the designated container . 15
➋ Preventing Contamination : Carefully roll up soiled linen to prevent contamination of the air , surfaces , and cleaning staff . Do not shake linen . 14
➌ Use of Detergents and Disinfectants : The use of detergents and disinfectants in the laundry process is crucial . Detergents help to remove soil and organic matter , and can also kill or inactivate microorganisms . 15
➍ Hot Water Washing : Washing healthcare textiles in hot water can help to kill microorganisms . 15
➎ Heat Treatment : Heat treatment , such as drying and ironing , can further reduce the number of microorganisms on healthcare textiles . 14
➏ Quality Assurance and Control : Regular quality control inspections , sampling , and testing are necessary to ensure the cleanliness , integrity , and overall condition of the textiles . 15
➐ Employee Safety : The safety of employees should be ensured , including proper hand hygiene when touching clean linen and removing soiled linen . 15
➑ Compliance with Regulations : The laundry facility should comply with all federal , state , and local regulations . 15
These practices , when implemented correctly , can significantly reduce the risk of HAIs from reusable HCTs . 15
Studies and Guidelines on Healthcare Textiles : An Executive Overview
Fijan and Turk
The study “ Hospital Textiles , Are They a Possible Vehicle for Healthcare-Associated Infections ?” explores the role of hospital textiles in the transmission of pathogens . The authors note that during use , hospital textiles become contaminated and require laundering . While laundering is usually adequate , in some instances , due to inappropriate disinfection or subsequent recontamination , the textiles may become a contaminated inanimate surface with the possibility to transfer pathogens .
Overcash and Sehulster
Published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , this study , “ Estimated incidence rate of healthcare-associated infections ( HAIs ) linked to laundered reusable healthcare textiles ( HCTs ) in the United States and United Kingdom over
22 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • march 2024