HEALTHCARE ALERT – ImageFIRST Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update #2

The purpose of this communication is to update customers on our handling procedures of soiled textiles, particularly those that may have potentially been exposed to COVID-19.

As we have all learned more from healthcare and public policy officials and as we have established more confidence in our processes to safely handle potentially contaminated product, ImageFIRST is prepared to process such product as follows:

1. Product potentially contaminated with COVID-19 must be identified, kept separate, and brought to the attention of your ImageFIRST Service Representative
2. Laundry bags containing this product must be securely closed to prevent product from falling out
3. We ask you to let this product sit at least 6 hours after use by a patient before we pick up

This continues to be a good opportunity to reinforce adherence to established practices for handling soiled textiles, which play a critical role in reducing environmental transmission and averting a medical crisis.  Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) Standards, all soiled linen and garments should be handled as if contaminated.  It is imperative anyone handling soiled linen and garments follow universal precautions ensuring proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), soiled textiles are properly bagged, and hands are thoroughly washed.  We encourage our clients to remind their staff of the importance of following these standards and of their essential role in reducing the risk of an epidemic.

ImageFIRST is already engaged in and committed to infection prevention best practices and we do not plan on deviating from these current processes.  The CDC and HLAC have not issued additional or special procedure directives.  We will continue to monitor and make any necessary enhancements to our infection prevention practices.

This is a rapidly evolving situation.  We will share information and changes in our practices as necessary.

We appreciate our customers' cooperation and continued partnership and rest assured; we will continue to work with you and your teams to ensure your staff and their patients can count on safe, reliable medical linen.