Does Soiled Linen Go Into a White Bag? A Guide to Healthcare Bagging Protocols

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handling of laundry is crucial for preventing infection transmission. This is why the question, "Does soiled linen go into a white bag?", has a nuanced answer that depends on the specific level of contamination and a facility’s established protocols.

Quick Summary

Different types of soiled linen require specific bagging methods in healthcare settings to prevent infection. The use of a white bag depends on the contamination level, with infectious materials often needing a red or yellow color-coded, leak-proof container.

Key Points

• Bag color depends on contamination: The level of contamination, not the fact that it's just 'soiled,' dictates the correct bag color, which can vary by facility.

• Infectious items use special bags: Highly infectious or heavily contaminated linen is often bagged in color-coded (red or yellow) bags, sometimes with a water-soluble inner layer, to prevent disease spread.

• Wet linen requires a leak-proof bag: OSHA regulations require that any wet contaminated laundry be placed in a leak-proof bag to prevent leaks and soak-through.

• Bagging must happen at the point of use: Soiled linen should be bagged where it was used, such as in the patient's room, and should not be sorted or rinsed there.

• Personal Protective Equipment is mandatory: All staff who handle contaminated laundry must wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, to prevent direct exposure to pathogens.

Why White Isn't Always the Right Color for Soiled Linen

The short answer is: sometimes. In healthcare, a simple question like "Does soiled linen go into a white bag?" has a complex answer based on the type and degree of contamination. While some institutions may use a white bag for general, non-contaminated soiled linen, others have more intricate color-coded systems to handle varying levels of biohazardous material. Adhering to these specific protocols is a fundamental part of infection control and employee safety, governed by regulations from bodies like OSHA.

Understanding the Types of Soiled Linen

To know which bag to use, you must first distinguish between different types of used linen. Standard healthcare practice recognizes a few key categories:

• Used/Soiled Linen: This is linen that has simply been used by a patient but is not visibly contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
• Soiled/Contaminated Linen: Linen that is soiled with blood, OPIM, or has come from a patient with a known transmissible infection falls into this category.
• Infectious/Biohazardous Linen: This refers to linen heavily contaminated with blood, feces, or other body fluids, particularly from a patient with a known or suspected infection.

How Color-Coding Protects Against Contamination

Color-coding is a widely used system for quickly and clearly identifying the contents of a laundry bag, ensuring it is handled and processed with the appropriate level of precaution. While specific colors can vary by facility, some common practices include:

• White Bags: Often used for routine soiled linen that is not contaminated with bodily fluids. This might include regular bedding, towels, or gowns from non-infectious patients.
• Blue Bags: Some facilities use blue bags for all soiled linen, regardless of the soil level, reserving other colors for specific purposes.
• Red or Yellow Bags: These bags are typically used for infectious or biohazardous linen and are often marked with the international biohazard symbol. Some protocols dictate placing the infectious linen in a water-soluble red or yellow bag inside a white outer bag for added security.

Proper Procedures for Handling and Bagging Soiled Linen

For anyone working with laundry in a healthcare environment, following proper procedure is critical. This process helps minimize the risk of airborne pathogens and direct contact with contaminants. According to CDC and OSHA guidelines, key steps include:

1. Wear appropriate PPE: Always don gloves when handling contaminated laundry. In cases where splashes are possible, a gown and face protection are also necessary.
2. Handle with minimal agitation: Roll up soiled linen carefully away from your body. Shaking linen should be avoided as it can disperse contaminants into the air.
3. Bag at the point of use: Soiled linen must be bagged immediately in the room where it was used. It should never be sorted or rinsed at the point of use.
4. Use leak-proof bags for wet linen: If the laundry is wet and poses a risk of leaking, it must be placed in a leak-proof bag. This might be a colored plastic bag or a standard bag placed inside a secondary leak-proof container.
5. Tie and transport securely: Once filled, the bag must be securely tied to prevent spillage. Never hold bags close to your body while transporting them, and use a designated laundry cart.

Comparison of Linen and Bagging Requirements

Type of Linen	Contamination Level	Typical Bagging Method	Key Considerations
Routine Soiled	Minimal (e.g., used but not visibly soiled)	Placed in a designated bag, often white or blue, for transport to laundry.	Minimally handled, avoid agitation. Must not be mixed with contaminated items.
Soiled/Contaminated	Visible blood or bodily fluids, or from infectious patients	Often placed in a color-coded (red or yellow) bag with a biohazard symbol. May use a water-soluble bag inside.	Use leak-proof bags, handle with PPE, and transport on a designated cart.
Infectious/Biohazardous	Heavy saturation with blood or fluids, or from high-risk patients	Placed in a water-soluble bag, then inside a leak-proof outer bag, which is typically color-coded for biohazards (e.g., white with red stripes).	Special handling and washing procedures are required. Never handle directly without full PPE.

Conclusion

While a white bag may be used for routine soiled laundry, it is not the universal answer for healthcare linen management. The presence and level of contamination are the critical factors that determine the correct color and type of bag to use. By understanding and following the color-coded protocols specific to your facility, you can effectively manage linen while protecting both staff and patients from the spread of infection. Ignoring these guidelines could lead to serious health risks and regulatory violations. Always refer to your facility's specific procedures and consult official sources like the CDC and OSHA for comprehensive guidance.

CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between soiled and infectious linen?

Soiled linen is used but not visibly contaminated with bodily fluids. Infectious linen is visibly soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials, or has been used by a patient with a known infection.

Why do some healthcare facilities use a red water-soluble bag inside a white bag?

This method is often used for infectious linen. The infectious items are placed in a red, water-soluble inner bag that can be put directly into the washing machine. The outer white bag provides a leak-proof layer for safe transport.

Are biohazard bags always red?

No, biohazard bags can be red or yellow, and the specific color can vary by country or facility. However, they are always clearly marked with the universal biohazard symbol.

What are the rules for handling wet, contaminated laundry?

OSHA requires that wet, contaminated laundry be placed and transported in bags or containers that are leak-proof to prevent any soak-through or leakage of fluids.

Where should soiled linen be bagged?

Soiled linen should be bagged at the location where it was used, such as a patient's room. It should not be sorted or rinsed at that location.

Can color-coding systems differ between healthcare facilities?

Yes, while general guidelines exist, the exact color-coding system can vary by facility. It is crucial to follow the specific protocols and training provided by your workplace.

What should be done if a sharp object is found in soiled linen?

If a sharp object, such as a needle, is found in soiled linen, it must be disposed of in a designated sharps container immediately. Employees should always wear puncture-resistant gloves and handle bags carefully to avoid injury.