What should a sleep technician do when discovering soiled linens from an HIV patient at the end of a sleep study?

Using universal precautions when handling linens from an HIV patient is crucial in preventing the potential spread of infection. Universal precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and others from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, regardless of the patient's known status. This means treating all materials as if they are potentially contaminated.

By applying these precautions, the sleep technician reduces the risk of exposure to any infectious agents that may be present in soiled linens. This practice is standard protocol in healthcare settings when dealing with any patient's body fluids. It emphasizes the importance of using gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while handling the linens, ensuring that contamination does not occur during the cleaning process.

While contacting infection control or notifying housekeeping may also be necessary actions within a broader protocol, the immediate priority for the sleep technician is to manage the linens safely using universal precautions. This foundational approach helps create a safe environment not only for healthcare workers but also for patients and visitors.