KING KHALID HOSPITALINFECTION PREVENTION

ANDCONTROL MANUAL

LAUNDRYDr. Nahla Abdel Kader, MD, PhD.

Infection Control Consultant, MOHInfection Control CBAHI Surveyor

Infection Prevention Control DirectorKKH.

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To describe infection control standards for the hospital laundry in order to protect the worker from exposure to potentially infectious materials during collection, handling and sorting of soiled linen which may be contaminated with blood and body fluids or other infectious material.

• Although soiled linen has been shown to be a source of large numbers of pathogenic organisms, the risk of actual disease transmission is negligible.

• To reduce occupational risk of infection transmission or/exposure, laundry workers should focus on:

• Appropriate and frequent handwashing. • Appropriate use personal protective apparel• Removal of foreign objects from soiled

linen.

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PROCEDURE PROCEDURE A. Nurses ٣

B. Soiled Linen

Train all personnel involved in the collection, transport, sorting and washing of soiled linen to appropriately practice infection control measures

Collect soiled linen in such a way as to minimize microbial dissemination into the environment. Handle linen as little as possible with minimal agitation to prevent gross microbial contamination of the air and the persons handling the linen. Do not prerinse or sort soiled linen in patient care areas.

Collect soiled linen in such a fashion as to keep the heavily soiled portion contained in the center by folding or rolling the soiled spot into the center. Place soiled linen in linen bags at the area where it is generated. Cloth bags are adequate for the majority of soiled linen.

Consider linen from isolation room as general soiled linen. Double bagging is not necessary unless the primary bag is soaked

through. Transport soiled linen in covered carts. Wash and disinfect carts

on a routine basis. PPEs attire to laundry and staff.

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C. Washing And Rinsing

The laundering process is designed to remove organic soil and render the linen clean. High or low temperature washing can be used in washing linen:

High temperature: A temperature of at least 710C (1600F) for a minimum of 25 minutes is commonly recommended for hot water washing.

Low temperature: Lower temperature of 220C-500C (710F-770F) can satisfactorily reduce microbial contamination if the cycle of the washer, the wash detergent, and the amount of chlorine (bleach) to reach a total available chlorine residual of 50-150ppm is monitored and controlled.

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D. Clean Linen

Deliver clean linen to the user in such a way as to minimize microbial contamination from surface contact or airborne deposition. If same carts are used for transporting soiled and clean linen, clean and disinfect carts before transporting clean linen.

Transport clean linen separately from soiled linen. Cover or wrap prior and during transport as well as during storage.

Store clean linen, covered in clean area, separate from potential sources of contamination.

Send only surgical gowns and surgical drapes to CSSD for sterilization prior to delivery.

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E. Needle / Sharps Injuries

Instruct laundry employees to report any sharps injury occurring when handling linen, as well as any improperly disposed sharps or needles.

Provide sharp boxes in the soiled linen area to dispose any improperly disposed sharps.

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