When handling soiled bed linens, which action is correct to protect yourself and others?

• A. Roll soiled linen away from the body, being careful not to touch linen to clothing.
• B. Roll linen toward your body.
• C. Shake the linens to remove wrinkles.
• D. Touch the inside of the linen bag.

Answer: (A)

When handling soiled bed linens, the main idea is to keep the contaminants away from your body and prevent spread. Rolling the linens away from you is the safest technique because it boundary-contain the dirty fabric and keeps your skin and clothing turning away from the contamination. This method also helps you guide the linens into the bag without brushing them against you or creating splash or contact with clean areas.

Rolling toward your body would bring the contaminated material closer, increasing the chance of contact with skin, clothing, or the environment. Shaking the linens can aerosolize or scatter contaminants, raising infection risk. Touching the inside of the linen bag can transfer contaminants to your gloves or hands and then to other surfaces or people.

Remember to wear gloves and perform hand hygiene after removing them, as part of standard precautions when handling soiled linens.