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.
Going Solar with No Upfront Costs
Northwell Health Finds Energy Savings in Steam Systems
Endeavor Elmhurst Hospital Opens New 16-Bed Patient Observation Unit
Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities
Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident