Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: nudephil on 27/01/2021 16:46:53
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Here's a question from listener Joan:
At what temperature are hospital linens & towels washed?
Some years ago, as I recall, there was advice given that it was unnecessary for hospitals & the general public to wash all linens & towels at 60 degrees minimum. The suggestion was for 30 or 40 degrees which I understand was taken on board - it would save money & the planet(?)
My concern, in this present circumstance with COVID-19, is that hospitals especially may still be washing at the lower temperatures, which in my opinion does not kill all bacteria etc. I am not a medical or scientific person but I have observed the increase in sepsis & now "go into hospital for something else & catch COVID".
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From the HSE website
Current recommended treatments to ensure cleaning and disinfection of used (soiled and foul) linen
A 65oC temperature hold for a minimum of 10 minutes within the wash cycle; or 71oC for not less than 3 minutes.
Mixing time must be allowed to ensure heat penetration and assured disinfection.
A sluice cycle must be added in to the cycle when dealing with foul linen.