Implementing a scrub policy is an important step for boosting infection prevention and reducing linen loss. Scrubs, designed to maintain sterility, play a crucial role in minimizing cross-contamination within the hospital and beyond. Facilities that enforce robust, leadership-backed policies see the greatest success in reducing scrub loss, ultimately enhancing overall safety and efficiency.

Understanding the Risks: The Problem with Scrub Misuse

It's important to understand the potential risks associated with scrub misuse. Studies over the past 15 years have consistently shown that wearing scrubs outside the hospital and laundering them at home can introduce harmful bacteria into various environments. A 2012 study in Washington State revealed that nurses' uniforms carried an average of 1,246 bacteria colonies per square inch during the day and 5,795 during the night shift. Even more alarming, MRSA was found on 70 percent of these uniforms. Several countries, including Canada, Belgium, and Australia, have already implemented policies prohibiting the wearing of hospital clothing outside the workplace and requiring that clean scrubs be provided at the healthcare site. These measures have proven effective in preventing the spread of infectious materials.

Implementing and enforcing a scrub policy not only strengthens infection control efforts but also has significant financial implications. Scrubs, with a lifespan of approximately 20 washes, are often washed only 5 to 10 times before being lost or misused. This, in turn, leads to increased linen loss costs for the facility. By adhering to a scrub policy, hospital administrators can effectively reduce these costs, contributing to the financial health of the facility.
 

Benefits of Enforcing a Scrub Policy

Enforcing a scrub policy is not just a rule; it's a way to reduce scrub loss and ensure the safety of patients, staff and their families. Facilities with well-enforced policies see the least amount of scrub loss. By ensuring scrubs are only worn within the hospital and are laundered by an accredited commercial laundry facility such as Crown, hospitals can significantly reduce the turnover and loss of these essential garments. 

An effective scrub policy should include the following components:

• On-Site Usage Only: Scrubs should be worn only within the hospital premises.
• No Off-Site Wear: Staff should not leave the hospital in their scrubs, even for short breaks. 
• Laundering Protocol: Scrubs should be deposited in designated soiled bins at the end of each shift and not taken home.
• Arrival Protocol: Staff should arrive at work in personal clothing and change into scrubs on-site.
• Compliance Monitoring: Regular checks and monitoring to ensure adherence to the policy.

Crown's Professional Laundry Service is Superior to Home Washing

Crown Health Care Laundry Services uses a quadruple-accredited cleaning process that ensures patient care and staff linens are free from contaminants. Home laundering does not offer the controlled environment necessary to ensure proper disinfection. Many staff members may not be aware of or follow the recommended steps for effectively cleaning their uniforms at home, including the needed wash and dry temperatures. In fact, it can be impossible to reach the needed temperature and wash cycles in many of the new energy-efficient washers and dryers found in homes. These lapses can lead to cross-contamination and increase the risk of spreading infections.

With Crown, our process ensures that scrubs are properly laundered and maintained, reducing the risk of infection and prolonging the usable life of the garments. By providing clean scrubs on-site and ensuring they are properly laundered by a professional linen provider, healthcare facilities can maintain a safe, sterile environment for both patients and staff.

For more information about scrub loss solutions, please contact your customer service representative or click here.