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The importance of protecting against infection in an LTC facility is clear. JL For the health of staff and residents, good practices are required throughout the laundry cycle.
Microorganisms from blood, urine and other body fluids are frequendy found in sheets, blankets, towels and other textiles. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posits that actual disease transmission via linens is rare and occurs almost exclusively as a result of improper handling. In other words, infection from linens is preventable.
The CDCs Office of Safety, Health and Environments publication, Guidelines JOT Laundry in Health Care Facilities, suggests precautions that invoke common sense. "Although soiled linen has been identified as a source of large numbers of pathogenic microorganisms, the risk of actual disease transmission appears negligible. Rather than rigid rules and regulation, hygienic and common-sense storage and processing of clean and soiled linen are recommended," the CDC document reads.
LTC administrators know both state and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines regarding safe linen handling. However, "Infection control is only as...