Polytex machines are on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, with latest installations in COVID-19 isolation wards of Tel Hashomer Hospital, Harzfeld Hospital and Soroka Medical Center in Israel.

With fully automated closed system, hands-free dispensing of clean scrubs and uniforms reduces chance of cross-contamination. Multiple dispensing units can be placed near different wards to minimize chance of medical staff walking around and bringing pathogens across wards. Various return units for soiled scrubs/uniform can also be installed near different wards, so that the dirty scrubs can be collected on site with minimal transportation or logistics across the hospital. This strategy of point-of-use and hands-free dispensing and collecting of uniforms controls pathogens from spreading.

Furthermore, operation team is notified when the dirty uniform collection is full, and when clean uniform is running out of supplies. Adding RFID chips onto the uniform also enables traceability which is good not just for asset management but also as audit trail for source of contamination.

As the system works 24/7 and can be installed at strategic locations, it avoids unnecessary congregation and crowding together of medical staff.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has installed a few units and are currently in use.