What should be done to linen after a patient leaves?

The correct approach is to survey the linen before removal to ensure that no source has fallen off. This step is crucial in a medical environment, especially in settings where radioactive materials or hazardous substances might be used in treatment. Ensuring that the linen has been checked minimizes the risk of contamination and protects both healthcare workers and other patients.

Surveying involves using appropriate detection instruments to identify any potentially hazardous materials that may have come into contact with the linen. This practice helps maintain safety protocols and prevents accidents that could arise from unmonitored exposure to radioactive or contaminated items.

The other options, while they may seem practical on the surface, do not align with standard safety procedures. Washing without inspection could lead to navigating potential contamination issues, discarding in regular waste poses a risk of exposure to waste handlers, and storing for future use without assessing the linen’s safety would similarly risk contamination exposure. Hence, the emphasis on surveying underscores a commitment to maintaining safety and compliance with health regulations.