HIV survives on bloodstained shirts after washing

Traces of HIV and hepatitis viruses can survive on bloodstained clothing for several days, even when washed, Australian rugby league bosses have been told.

They have now ordered bloodstained shirts should be soaked in bleach.

A study, conducted by a centre for immunology in Sydney, found traces of the HIV virus on bloodstained clothing after it had been washed in normal detergents.

NRL chief medical officer Hugh Hazard said, while the HIV virus could survive for up to 28 days outside the body, there was no evidence HIV had ever been contracted through contact with blood-soaked clothing.

The NRL-commissioned research found that a simple solution of 0.5% bleach and 2% household detergent completely eliminated the virus from all fabric.

Consequently, the league has ordered that all players with bloodstained shirts must leave the field to have the uniform treated.

Any garments saturated with blood must be removed and replaced under the new guidelines.

This safety procedure could be applied to all body contact sports, including American football, basketball and ice hockey, the league said.