Best Practices for Managing Contaminated Linen

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to handle, isolate, and disinfect linen contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Isolation and Handling of Contaminated Linen

Key steps in managing contaminated linen:

• Isolate contaminated linen from other materials.
• Place in leak-proof bags or containers and minimize handling during transit.

Disinfection Guidelines for Reusable Linen

Recommended procedures for disinfecting linen:

• Follow the Department of Health’s guidance for hospital laundry.
• Use recommended water temperatures to thermally disinfect the linen.

Laundry Practices in Community Settings

Handling linen without specific laundry services:

• Wash with detergent in a domestic washing machine at a minimum of 80 degrees Celsius.
• Options include dry cleaning at elevated temperatures or steam pressing after cold dry cleaning.

General Laundry Precautions

Additional safety measures:

• Avoid overloading washing machines.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling potentially infectious laundry.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures the safe handling and effective disinfection of contaminated linen, minimizing the risk of infection transmission.