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Fabrics in healthcare

Nosocomial organisms can contaminate fabrics used in hospitals such as bed linen, uniforms and curtains. However, there is little evidence that these sites play a major role in hospital cross-infection provided that normal hygienic practices are followed. These practices include staff wearing disposable plastic aprons when dealing with infected patients, immediate removal of visibly contaminated fabrics, and changing curtains in isolation rooms after patient discharge. High temperature laundering of hospital linen is very effective for removing contaminating pathogens. There is as yet no evidence that modifying fabrics by impregnating them with antibacterials or by other treatments has any further impact on rates of hospital acquired infection.

Most hospital staff uniforms use fabrics that cannot withstand high temperature washes. However, staff uniforms are not intended to function as personal protective equipment (i.e. single-use aprons should be worn if contamination is likely) and dilution in domestic washing machines will effectively decontaminate normal hospital uniforms. (Visibly soiled uniforms should be put through a healthcare laundry intended for thermolabile items.)

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