Significance of Isolation Gowns
The purpose of isolation gowns is to help protect your frontline workers and other staff members from infectious droplets, fluid penetration and solids, and help its wearers in preventing from the transfer of micro-organisms to vulnerable people.
There are basically categorized into two groups that are intended for healthcare purposes: surgical and non-surgical.
- A surgical gown is a personal protective garment intended to be worn by health care personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the patient and health care personnel from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate matter.
- Non-surgical, or isolation, gowns are intended to protect the wearer from the transfer of microorganisms and body fluids in low or minimal risk patient isolation situations. Non-surgical gowns are not worn during surgical procedures, invasive procedures, or when there is a medium to high risk of contamination.
Different Kinds of Disposable Isolation Gowns
- AAMI Level 2 - SMS materials – pack of 10 – yellow colour
- TURQUISE – reusable – cotton/polymix- free shipping – FDA – level 2.
- Disposable lab coats with pockets – SMS material – pack of 10
- AAMI 1 – level 1 – SMS material – pack of 10 – blue – free shipping
- CHEMO – disposable isolation gowns – AAMI level 4 – SMS material – pack of 10
- Disposable isolation gowns – made in USA - AAMI level 1 – PFE material – waterproof – pack of 10 – free shipping
- Isolation gown – blue – reusable 100% cotton – free shipping – FDA level 1
Know the Level of Protection Standards
There are four levels under the standard:
- Level 1:It has the minimal risk that can be used for basic care, standard isolation, cover gown for visitors, or at a standard medical unit.
- Level 2:It has low risk that can be used during blood transfusion, suturing, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or at a pathology lab.
- Level 3:It has moderate risk that can be used during arterial blood draw, inserting an intravenous line, in an emergency room, or in trauma cases.
- Level 4:It has high risk that can be used during long and intense procedures like surgery, when pathogen resistance is needed or when there is a suspect of infectious diseases are suspected that could have been non-airborne.
During the unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic, the primary objectives is to protect frontline workers and senior members of staff from the spread of COVID-19 and to protect accidental transfer of COVID-19 to other residents and staff. The Level 1 of basic fluid resistance in a non-surgical isolation gown is most likely sufficient. Having a surgical gown with a higher level rating isn’t essential as there is not extensive risk of blood or other bodily fluids being transferred.
The Material
Isolation gowns are made of cotton or a synthetic material like polyester which are reusable isolation gowns, or polyethylene or polypropylene disposable gowns. They can also be latex-free. Synthetic materials are quiet capable of blocking fluids and liquids that why people avoid use of cotton to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Wearing the Isolation Gown
The way in which a gown is worn or taken off affects the effectiveness and the potential of contamination especially during taking off the used or contaminated gown.
How Many Different Sizes You Might Need?
When times would be better, in a COVID free world, each staff member would need a gown that fits them appropriately. During these times, when we are short of PPE kits in some parts of the county ad a universal size is the only option.
Conclusion
PPE is an important component in the hierarchy of controls used to protect people in the hospital environments. Gowns are important elements of the PPE since they are the second most used item after gloves.
There are various factors that effect in the selection of gowns in addition to the fabric properties. Design and performance result in trade-offs in cost, comfort and the amount of protection provided.
The requirement for the isolation gown and the type of isolation gown should be based on various categories for e.g. : body fluid penetration, anticipated degree of contact, transfusion of blood or bodily fluids.
However, since the users have limited amount of information on the performance of the available isolation gowns in the market, guidance documents or standards that specify the minimum performance.
