Which statement is true about washing contaminated PPE?

Which statement is true about washing contaminated PPE?

• A. Wash a full load of PPE items at a time
• B. Use cold water and one wash cycle
• C. After washing the items, run the washer through at least one additional entire cycle without clothing
• D. Do not wash PPE items at all

Answer: (C)

Decontamination of PPE handling emphasizes not just cleaning the items but also removing any residual contaminants from the washing equipment itself. After the contaminated PPE has been washed, running the washer through an additional full cycle with nothing in it helps flush out lingering contaminants from the machine, reducing the risk of spreading contamination to future loads. This extra empty cycle is the key point that makes the statement correct. Washing a full load of PPE with other items can complicate cleaning and raise cross-contamination risks, since contaminants may not be fully removed from the machine or from all items. Using cold water and only a single wash cycle may not adequately remove or inactivate contaminants, and doing nothing at all obviously leaves hazards in place.

Decontamination of PPE handling emphasizes not just cleaning the items but also removing any residual contaminants from the washing equipment itself. After the contaminated PPE has been washed, running the washer through an additional full cycle with nothing in it helps flush out lingering contaminants from the machine, reducing the risk of spreading contamination to future loads. This extra empty cycle is the key point that makes the statement correct.

Washing a full load of PPE with other items can complicate cleaning and raise cross-contamination risks, since contaminants may not be fully removed from the machine or from all items. Using cold water and only a single wash cycle may not adequately remove or inactivate contaminants, and doing nothing at all obviously leaves hazards in place.