What is the proper way to handle linens?

Holding linens away from your body and your uniform is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and infection control in a healthcare environment. When linens are held close to the body, there is a heightened risk of transferring germs and contaminants from the clothing or skin directly onto the clean linens. By keeping the linens at a distance, you minimize this risk and help ensure that the linens remain uncontaminated until they are placed on the bed or designated area.

Additionally, handling linens in this manner aligns with established protocols for cleanliness and patient safety, ensuring that the linens provided are as sterile as possible for patients. This practice is particularly important in settings such as hospitals or long-term care facilities, where maintaining a clean environment is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

In contrast, practices like shaking linens can introduce airborne contaminants and should be avoided. Similarly, folding linens neatly is a positive practice but does not directly address the immediate concern of how linens are held during transport and placement.