dryers in a controlled setting where proper scrub-laundering parameters
were met. She then compared the results with studies of hospital-laun-
dered scrubs. Her findings: The amount of microorganisms that remained
on home-laundered scrubs was greater and lasted longer than those on
scrubs laundered both in the controlled "home" setting and hospital laun-
dry.
Although the studies didn't link the presence of microorganisms on
scrub fabrics to an increased risk of surgical site infections, they raised
the possibility, so why take the chance? "Exactly," says Ms. Gossett,
the director of perioperative services at Oro Valley (Ariz.) Hospital.
"Based on the available evidence and an inability to monitor the home-
laundering of scrubs, I put my full support behind enforcing the hospi-
tal's policy of having an accredited laundry facility handle the washing
of surgical attire."
When laundering scrubs at home, some staff members may use cold
water or skip drying, because they don't want their uniforms to fade
or shrink, says Ms. Gossett, who adds they might even mix soiled
scrubs in with other laundry. The bottom line: You have no idea how
or how often they wash their work uniforms. "But when it's done pro-
fessionally, it's monitored," says Ms. Gossett. "I can ask for logs to
ensure it's always done properly."
A landlocked facility and the need to expand the laundry depart-
ment's services caused West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH) to
move its laundry to a building across town, creating an outsourced
partnership of sorts. The service cleans the OR's scrubs, and wraps
and sterilizes reusable sterile gowns and towels. "Outsourcing the
service has lessened the workload of our sterile processing depart-
ment," says Mary Wilson, BSN, RN, CNOR, clinical preceptor at WVUH.
"There's no longer the need to decide: Will they do towels or instru-
ments?"
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February 2015 | O U T PAT I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
