Healthcare textiles, including bed linens, surgical gowns, and towels, are significant vectors for cross-contamination if not managed properly. RFID tags embedded in the hems of these textiles allow hospitals to track the entire "Laundry Cycle." These specialized tags are designed to withstand hundreds of high-temperature washings and chemical sterilization processes. By tracking the "Wash Count" of each item, the system can automatically flag textiles that have reached the end of their lifespan and may no longer be sterile or structurally sound.

This technology also provides significant economic benefits by reducing "Linen Loss," which can cost large hospitals hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. When a linen bag is moved into a laundry chute, an RFID "Gate" scans the contents instantly, documenting the departure. To explore the ROI of textile tracking in large-scale hospital networks, the Healthcare RFID Market research offers a breakdown of labor savings and inventory reduction. By ensuring that "Clean" and "Soiled" linens never cross paths in the logistics chain, RFID acts as a silent but effective tool in the hospital’s infection prevention strategy.