Treatment of medicine stains (like betadine): Do spotting by using an absorbent cloth or swab dipped in cold water a few times to reduce the extent of stain, and follow regular laundering process meant for infected linen.
Treatment of ink stains (often found on doctors’ coats)
• Blot using plain water and two clean absorbent cloths – one above and one below. Repeat this process a few times until the stain becomes mild
• Dry the partially stained cloth well and use an alcoholic rub and dab around the stain. Repeat this process a few times
• When the stain is fully removed, the laundering process for non-infected linen should be followed
Treatment of stained mattresses and pillows
• For wet stains, blot using a dry towel until no more liquid can be absorbed.
• Spot-clean using an appropriate cleaning agent (Baking soda, White Vinegar and Alcoholic rub) and blot the area
• Use a jet steamer to penetrate deep into the mattress
• Preferably sun-dry the items and keep in properly ventilated area with enough fresh air circulation
• Deodorize if required by sprinkling baking soda
• In case of a major stain, it is advisable to discard the item
Measures to avoid stains on mattresses and pillows:
• Use mattress and pillow protector made out of water-proof material and not use fabric protectors
• Use under-pad/mackintosh sheet
• Check the condition of the mattresses and pillows, including protectors, for any damage at regular intervals
• Mattresses and pillows need to be vacuum cleaned at least once a week to prevent bad odour and infection
• Nurses and patient-care assistants should be vigilant to notice and inform the concerned authority about anybody-fluid spill, as and when it happens
Protection of laundry staff who handle infected linen, from infection
Linen contaminated with bodily fluids is a vehicle of micro-organisms colonising the patient with whom it came into contact. Being exposed to these germs is a daily occupational hazard for those who work in hospital laundries. The following measures can help them be protected from contracting infections:
• Training and awareness on proper use of PPE
• SOPs on collection, segregation, transportation and laundry processing
• Different labelling for infected and non-infected laundries
• Hand hygiene protocols for washing with both soap solution and alcoholic rub
• Knowledge of colour coded bags for receiving and collection of clean and soiled linen
• Bio-medical Waste Management protocols
• Reporting of any untoward incident as soon as it occurs
• Ensure that a washable, waterproof sheet is used on the floor while counting soiled linen
• If linen chute is available, it should be used as per the scheduled time that is fixed for that specific floor
• While not in use, linen chute should be kept under lock and key
• Using closed trolleys while transporting soiled linen
• Ensure daily disinfection of linen chute, soiled linen collection area, laundry vehicles, trolleys, etc.
• Vaccination for all the staff as per the schedule to be followed, with no lapses.
• Ensure adequate quantity of PPEs available for the staff to use at any given time
• Ensure site visit and vendor evaluation to check on safe environment and staff safety
• Maintaining adequate linen indirectly reduces stress on laundry staff by providing adequate time to process laundry as per SOP
• Condemnation of damaged linen as per standards
– Mrigank Warrier
