How should soiled linens be handled to prevent contamination?

How should soiled linens be handled to prevent contamination?

• A. Shake linens to remove debris before disposal.
• B. Place linens directly in appropriate hamper; do not shake; use gloves as required; follow facility infection control policies.
• C. Rinse linens and place on the floor to dry.
• D. Put linens directly into the trash bin.

Answer: (B)

Preventing contamination when handling soiled linens comes down to keeping contaminated materials contained and minimizing contact and exposure. Soiled linens may carry bacteria and other pathogens, so shaking them can spray droplets into the air and onto surfaces, increasing the chance of spreading contamination. The best approach is to place the linens directly into the designated linen hamper or bag without shaking, keeping them contained for the laundry process. Wearing gloves as required protects your hands from contact with infectious material, and following the facility’s infection-control policies ensures the handling, bagging, and transport are done consistently and safely. Rinsing and placing linens on the floor to dry or putting them in the trash both mismanage contaminated materials and create opportunities for cross-contamination.

Preventing contamination when handling soiled linens comes down to keeping contaminated materials contained and minimizing contact and exposure. Soiled linens may carry bacteria and other pathogens, so shaking them can spray droplets into the air and onto surfaces, increasing the chance of spreading contamination. The best approach is to place the linens directly into the designated linen hamper or bag without shaking, keeping them contained for the laundry process. Wearing gloves as required protects your hands from contact with infectious material, and following the facility’s infection-control policies ensures the handling, bagging, and transport are done consistently and safely. Rinsing and placing linens on the floor to dry or putting them in the trash both mismanage contaminated materials and create opportunities for cross-contamination.