During these extremely unprecedented times, a situation which has a severely limited isolation gowns, the following clothing pieces can be considered as the last resort to care for COVID 19 patients. Although, none of these can be considered as PPE since there capacity to protect the body from viruses and other bacterial infection is unknown.
Important features include long sleeves and closures which can be fastened.
Reusable gowns and lab coats can be laundered safely in accordance to routine procedures.
Different Kinds of Isolation Gowns Available:
- 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
- AAM 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
Three primary factors that influence personal protective equipment (PPE) gown selection:
-
The Purpose
The main preference of isolation gowns is with PPE clothing. Choosing isolation gowns for instance if you anticipate arm contamination. Gowns should fit comfortably over the body, cover the abdomen and have long sleeves that fit properly around the wrists. -
The Material
The gowns are primarily made from cotton or a good synthetic material. Each of these materials are available in different degrees of fluid resistance. If the fluid penetration is your concern, then you must choose a gown with fluid resistance. -
The Risk
Choose clean or sterile gowns, depending on particular risk factors involved. Use clean gowns generally for isolation purposes, while sterile gowns are only necessary while performing invasive procedures. A sterile gown will protect both the patient and the health care worker.
It is imperative to understand the necessary, primary protection zones of a gown while making a selection for a particular patient care scene.
Defining Four Protective Material Levels
|
Level |
Description |
Usage |
|
Level 1 |
§ Used during minimal-risk situations § Provides a little barrier to small amounts of fluid penetration § A single test of water effects the surface of the gown material is tested to understand the barrier protection performance. |
Blood drawn from a vein, intensive care unit, pathology lab |
|
Level 2 |
§ Used during low-risk situations § Provides a barrier during larger amounts of fluid penetration § Two tests are conducted to understand the barrier protection performance: o Water impacts the surface of the material of the gown. |
Draw blood from a vein, intensive care unit, pathology lab |
|
Level 3 |
§ Used during moderate-risk situations § It provides a barrier to large amounts of fluid through splatter and more fluid exposure through soaking. § Primarily two tests are conducted to assess the barrier protection performance: o Water impacts the surface of the gown material o Pressurizing the material |
Arterial blood transfusion, inserting an I.V. and emergency room care |
|
Level 4 |
§ Used during high-risk situations § It prevents all kinds fluid penetration for up to 1 hour § It may prevent virus penetration for up to 1 hour |
Pathogen resistance, infectious diseases, prevents large amounts of fluid exposure over long periods of time. |
The Health Department is allowing health care personnel to use the following unapproved items, keeping in view that there is no adequate, approved and available alternative during these testing times for public health emergency:
- Conductive shoes and shoe covers
- Operating room shoes
- Surgical apparel accessories
- Nonsurgical isolation gowns
- Operating room shoe covers
- Surgical helmets
Criteria for Issuance of the Authorization
- The virus that causes corona virus, which is a serious or life-threatening disease, can cause other critical conditions too.
- There is no adequate, approved and available alternative for the emergency use of these gowns.
- You must use isolation gown alternatives that offer equivalent or higher protection
- Capacity for contingency
- Shift gown used for cloth isolation gowns
- Use gowns or coveralls that confirm international standards
- All elective and non urgent procedures and appointments should be cancelled for which health care providers typically use a gown.
- Extend the usage of isolation gowns
- Re-use of cloth isolation gowns
