Does washing uniforms at home effect infection control?

A recent UK study (1) found that 44% of nursing staff washed their uniforms below the recommended temperature of 60˚C


A recent UK study (1) found that 44% of nursing staff washed their uniforms below the recommended temperature of 60˚C, according to an article on the Nursing in Practice website.

Compelling scientific evidence says uniforms or workwear can contribute to hospital acquired infections, describing an outbreak of Gordonia bronchialis directly linked to a nurse anaesthetist’s scrub attire which “likely became contaminated by her home washing machine. The outbreak ended after disposal of the implicated washing machine.”

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing contaminated laundry at water temperatures of at least 70˚c (6), and the Royal College of Nursing (7) stipulates that “uniform fabrics must be capable of withstanding water temperatures of at least 60˚c”.

For primary healthcare nurses who wash their uniforms at home, studies recommend washing uniforms separately after every shift and within 24 hours of the shift starting with detergent at a minimum temperature of 60˚c.

Read the article.

 

 



June 15, 2015


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

EaaS: Funding Infrastructure Projects with Energy Savings

Process converts necessary upgrades from capital liabilities into strategic investments using operational dollars.


Balancing Security Systems with Patient Comfort in Healthcare

Security systems, safety and inviting atmospheres don’t have to be in conflict.


Harris Health Reports 10-Year Data Breach

Their investigation determined that the impermissible access to patient information occurred between January 4, 2011, and March 8, 2021.


Gen Z Trusts AI More Than Their Managers

Some employees would rather engage with AI than their managers.


CISA Lapse Amid Government Shutdown Raises Concerns for Healthcare Cybersecurity

Lawmakers had sought to renew it for another decade, but disagreements in the Senate stalled reauthorization.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.