Mattresses and Covers May Be Infected by Body Fluids and Microbiological Contaminants

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1. Body fluid and microbiological contamination can remain on, or within, bed and stretcher support surfaces after cleaning between patients, putting subsequent patients and even staff at risk of exposure to infectious materials.

a) Support surfaces consist of a mattress and a mattress cover. The cover is intended to prevent the ingress of body fluids and other contaminants into the mattress.

b) During terminal room cleaning, the mattress cover is cleaned and...