Section: UTMB On-line Documentation Subject: Healthcare Epidemiology Policies and Procedures Topic: Guidelines for Handling Linen

1.13 - Policy 2009 - Revised 1979 - Author

1.13 Guidelines for Handling Linen

Purpose	To identify infection control practices for the handling of linen
Audience	All UTMB employees, contract workers, volunteers, and students who use linen for patient care
Policy	• All linen shall be placed into an impervious laundry bag. No sorting is required. • Bed linen shall be changed routinely and when soiled. • The linens on tables, wheelchairs, and stretchers used for treatment or transport must be changed between each patient. • When removing linen from a bed or table, vigorous movements shall be avoided to prevent aerosols of microorganisms. The linen shall be carefully inspected to insure that all hazardous instruments have been removed. Fold the linen to the middle of the bed or table and remove it carefully so that clothing is not contaminated. Contain the linen in a linen bag prior to transport to the laundry. • After the soiled linen bag is full it shall be tied shut and taken directly to the soiled linen area so that soiled linen is not kept in the patient care area for a long period of time. The individual loading the linen must handle each linen bag in a manner that does not soil his uniform. • HANDWASHING AFTER HANDLING SOILED LINEN IS IMPERATIVE!