Clean linen
This is linen that has been processed (laundered) and is ready for use.
- Should be stored in a clean, designated area, preferably an enclosed cupboard.
- Clean linen should be stored separately from used and infectious linen.
- If clean linen is not stored in a cupboard then the trolley or pod used for storage must be designated for this purpose and completely covered with an impervious covering that is able to withstand decontamination.
- Hand hygiene should be performed before handling clean linen.
For all used or infectious linen
Used linen has been used by a non-infectious patient with no visible soiling or contamination by blood or body fluids.
Infectious linen has been used by a patient who is known or suspected to be infectious and/or linen that is contaminated with blood and/or other body fluids for example faeces.
- Any linen used during patient transfer, for example blankets, should be categorised at the point of destination.
- All linen that is deemed unfit for re-use, for example torn or heavily contaminated, should be categorised at the point of use and returned to the laundry for disposal.
When handling used or infectious linen:
- Refer to Appendix 15 for the selection of PPE required.
- Ensure a laundry receptacle is available as close as possible to the point of use for immediate linen deposit.
- Ensure linen is placed in the appropriate receptacle depending on categorisation.
- Check that linen is free from inappropriate items before placing into the laundry receptacle, for example used equipment/needles, service user personal belongings
- Place infectious linen directly into a water-soluble or alginate bag and secure, then place into a plastic bag, for example clear bag, and secure before placing in a laundry receptacle. This applies also to any items heavily soiled and unlikely to be fit for reuse.
- Used and infectious linen bags or receptacles must be tagged, for example: ward or care area and date.
- Perform hand hygiene as recommended in Section 1.2 after handling, bedmaking and bagging linen
Do not:
- rinse, shake or sort linen on removal from beds or trolleys
- place used linen on the floor or any other surfaces, for example a locker or table top
- re-handle used linen once bagged
- overfill laundry receptacles
Store all used or infectious linen in a designated, safe, lockable area whilst awaiting uplift. Uplift schedules must be acceptable to the care area and there should be no build-up of linen receptacles.
Service users, patients and their carers or relatives who are required to take clothing home to launder should be provided with the Washing Clothes at Home Leaflet
Local guidance regarding management of linen may be available.
Resources
Further information can be found in the safe management of linen literature review and National Guidance for Safe Management of Linen in NHSScotland Health and Care Environments - For laundry services/distribution.
Further information about linen bagging and tagging can be found in Appendix 8.
Scottish Government uniform, dress code and laundering policy is available.