Scrubs are a must in the Australian medical industry as everyone, including doctors, physicians, specialists, dentists, consultants, physical therapists, social workers, nutritionists, registered nurses, lab technicians, and medical support staff like receptionists and cleaners, wear them on-premises while attending to patients. All hospital and private clinic staff must wear a clean set of scrubs or uniforms every day as mandated by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. High-quality Elite Care Scrubs are reliable, long-lasting, comfortable, professional and safe for the wearers. Scrubs keep their body safe from the chemicals in the drugs, bodily fluids, germs on the surfaces present in the hospital. They also prevent them from transmitting them to people outside the hospital premises.
Reasons to Decontaminate and Clean Scrubs
Scrubs are not just medical uniforms but are glaring reminders of the infectious diseases lurking around the hospital. They carry potential microbes and pathogens like Enterococci, Staphylococci, Clostridium difficile etc., which can pose an actual threat to the hospital staff, the patients, visitors and the public. Many professionals might not be aware of the importance of disinfecting scrubs and are seen re-wearing the same dirty ones during their next shift. As the hospital staff are in constant contact with these chemicals and pathogens, even the best quality Elite Care Scrubs need proper maintenance. It ensures that they are sterile, decontaminated, clean and in top condition during the next shift. Here are some ways to achieve the same.
Ways to Carefully Use and Disinfect Medical Scrubs
Isolate the Used Medical Scrubs
Medical staff must never leave the hospital or the clinic premises wearing the scrubs they have worn inside. They must remove them as they leave the hospital and place them in a sealed plastic bag to avoid contact with other objects and people. It is essential to prevent contaminants like blood, germs, faeces, chemicals and bodily fluids from leaking or spreading outside the hospital. At home, used scrubs must place the dirty scrubs separate from their other clothes until they are clean and dry.
Wash the Medical Scrubs Thoroughly
One must never wash the dirty used scrubs with other clothing. They must wash and decontaminate them separately to ensure that they use the required amount of detergent and no cross-contamination. One must also make note that they should not wash the scrubs in hot water. Instead, they must turn it inside out and wash them in cold water to avoid damage. Wash the Elite Care Scrubs after every use and tumble dry using the gentle settings.
Disinfect Them When Exposed to Contamination
During exposure to dangerous contaminants, chemicals and food stains, they must wash the scrubs immediately using the recommended strong detergent. White vinegar, pine oil, and bleach will help neutralize the contaminants. One must be sure to wear gloves while cleaning them.
Daily Maintenance of Scrubs
Due to the hectic hospital schedule, many staff members have to do their daily routines in their scrubs in the hospital premises. While having their meals, they must avoid being messy and wear a napkin on the scrubs or remove them, to prevent staining the scrubs. They must use pocket guards to keep pens and other tools in the scrub pockets.
Replace Scrubs Based on Quality, Lifespan and Frequency of Use
Hospital staff must use scrubs based on their quality and recommended use by the manufacturers. Lower-quality scrubs are prone to damage, and therefore must one must replace them more frequently. They must also replace the scrubs if there is any wear and tear, permanent stains or other hazardous substances that don’t wash away.
