Cleaning Lymphedema Bandages

[Guest guest]

This question is directed to Inpatient environments. We have a significant

inpatient (including Skilled Nursing and Acute Rehab) lymphedema population for

whom we perform Manual Lymph drainage and/or compression bandaging. We want to

find out how other programs manage the bandages as regards washing/re-using (for

the same patient). Until recently, we have been washing bandages as per

manufacturer instructions in warm water and then air-drying. Bandages are ONLY

reused on the same patient. Our infection control department wants us to

discontinue this practice due to concerns that water is not hot enough to

adequately disinfect, and wants us to send bandages home with family or re-issue

new ones (not separately billable). Not all patients have family available. We

would appreciate hearing how your facility handles this issue. You may reply to

me directly if you prefer. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Bettyann Shuert, PT

Assistant Director of Rehab Services

Health

Springfield, MO

bettyann.shuert@...