OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISINFECTION OF HOSPITAL BLANKETS WITH QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS DURING LAUNDERING

Abstract
Summary: A method of estimating the bacterial contamination of blankets by using a hair drier to blow filtered air through a fixed portion of a blanket on to an agar plate is described. Results obtained before and after various laundering treatments show evidence of adsorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from solution by blankets and the persistent antibacterial effect of this over several weeks against moist bacteria. It is suggested that the incorporation of these substances in the laundering technique would be a valuable contribution towards the elimination of hospital cross‐infection.