The Clostridium difficile (C diff.) bacteria can survive on hospital bed linens even after being washed, according to a new study.
The findings offers healthcare facilities a new possible source for C diff. outbreaks, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
The study looked at swatches of cotton sheets contaminated with C. diff. that were then laundered with sterile uncontaminated pieces of fabric to measure the levels of contamination before and after washing.
The study warned that hospitals using commercial washers to decontaminate sheets with C diff. could be spreading the bacteria when washed sheets are then reused and mixed in with uncontaminated sheets.
How Healthcare Facilities Can Be Truly Disaster-Resilient
TriasMD Breaks Ground on DISC Surgery Center for San Fernando Valley
Bigfork Valley Hospital Falls Victim to Data Breach
AI-Driven Facilities: Strategic Planning and Cost Management 
Double Homicide Suspect Hides from Police in Upstate Community Hospital