Decontamination of linen for health and social care | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Best practice

Abstract:

This circular sets out the recommended procedures to meet the provision of adequate laundry services as a fundamental requirement of direct patient care. It covers the handling and laundering of linen, categories of linen and the importance of securing the disinfection of used and infected linen. It also includes the basic principles of infection control to reduce cross contamination and protect laundry workers. The circular lays out suggested guidance on national colour coding standard at ward and laundry level.

Authors:

Department of Health and Social Care

Link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/527545/Social_care.pdf

Category:

Control

Management

Prevention

Expert Review

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Summary:

This circular sets out the recommended procedures to meet the provision of adequate laundry services as a fundamental requirement of direct patient care. It covers the handling and laundering of linen, categories of linen and the importance of securing the disinfection of used and infected linen. It also includes the basic principles of infection control to reduce cross contamination and protect laundry workers.The circular lays out suggested guidance on national colour coding standard at ward and laundry level.

Questions Addressed:

This circular sets out the recommended procedures to meet the provision of adequate laundry services as a fundamental requirement of direct patient care.

Type of Study:

Health Service Guidelines

Methods Valid:

Yes

Methods Valid Detail:

The Health service Guidelines are now 10 years old but are still the only guidance available nationally, for healthcare staff and the laundry and its associated operations, on which to base guidance for the provision of adequate, safe and timely laundry services.

Results Reliability:

Yes but 10years without a published review. The guidance is at present under review by a working group headed up by NHS Estates.

Problems or Biases:

Yes but 10years without a published review. The guidance is at present under review by a working group headed up by NHS Estates.

Relevant Studies:

Barrie D (1994) How hospital linen and laundry services are provided. Journal of Hospital Infection; 27(3):2 19-23

Keywords:

laundry used linen infected linen infection control laundry services

Reviewer Name:

Sue Wiseman

Reviewer Post:

Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH

Reviewer Affiliations:

Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association