Blankets and air hygiene: a report of a trial of blanket disinfection

Abstract

1. The effect of blanket-disinfection on aerial contamination of exposed culture plates was studied during a six-month trial in six hospital units, containing a total of 270 beds.2. Disinfecting blankets after use by each patient did not significantly reduce general bacterial orStaph. aureuscounts on exposed culture plates.3. Disinfected blankets were heavily recontaminated after only a few days' use. A quaternary-ammonium rinse during laundering conferred no self-disinfecting properties on them.4. Cotton-cellular blankets were more economical and more popular with patients and nurses than were conventional woollen and two other types of cotton blanket.