Whether you call them surgical gowns, operating gowns, protective gear, or medical gowns, their purpose remains the same. They help form a barrier between medical professionals and patients. This is to limit the spread of infection of harmful bacteria from person to person. This strategy is especially important in hospitals where vulnerable patients and healthcare staff are at risk of catching illnesses. Most people assume that the human body is capable of protecting itself against harmful infection-causing bacteria. This is true, but only to a certain extent as some pathogens still manage to enter the body and cause harm. This is why most doctors, nurses, patient aides and any staff in hospital high-risk areas use of medical gowns. Answering Common FAQs About Disposable Gowns-
Types of Gowns
At a glance, all medical gowns look the same. However, any medical professional will tell you otherwise. The level of protection is what differentiates gowns from one another, and there are four levels of protection approved by the FDA.
- Level 1
This is the most basic level of protection. Mostly used in general care, these gowns offer protection against fluids. However, this does not include blood draws or pathology tests.
2. Level 2
If blood work is what you’re dealing with, then Level 2 gowns are more effective against fluid splatters and accidental spills. These are mostly used when working inside a pathology lab.
3. Level 3
Gowns offering level three protection provide protection when working with trauma cases or patients in the ER. These gowns are sterile and ideal for scenarios where there is a moderate risk of infection.
4. Level 4
These gowns offer the highest level of protection. Mostly used during high-risk scenarios, these gowns offer protection against droplets and viruses for up to an hour. Most of the time, surgeons in the operation theatre and doctors coming in contact with infectious diseases use these gowns.
Choosing the Right Gown
When it comes to medical equipment, the instructions on the provided label matter more than the brand name. Some gowns may look fancy at a glance, but in reality, they offer only basic level protection against pathogens.
On the other hand, some brands may make promises of reusable gowns. It is important to remember that even the highest level of protective gowns can protect against droplets and microorganisms for only a limited period of time.
It is crucial to do your research when looking for high-quality or cheap medical disposable gowns for sale. With medical gowns being in greater demand than ever, some manufacturers have compromised quality and safety for faster production.
No one wants to spend their money on a product that does not do its job. This is why we have put together a list of the most commonly asked questions about medical gowns. These will help you make the right decision when purchasing medical gowns for your facility or personal use.
Common FAQs about Medical Gowns
Do medical gowns come in different sizes? How do I pick the right size for myself?
Most sellers have ‘one size fits all’ medical gowns. These are a good fit for almost all individuals. If there are multiple sizes to choose from, here are a few things to keep in mind when picking the right size:
- Medical gowns should give the wearer the freedom to move around swiftly without feeling constrained around the leg or arm area.
- Elastic cuffs often aid in offering extra protection, but they shouldn’t be so tight as to cause irritation or chafe the skin. They should feel light against the skin.
- Length matters. Ideally, a medical gown should fall slightly below the knee—a long gown may hinder walking.
What is the difference between Polypropylene medical gowns and SMMS Non-Woven fabric medical gowns?
Both Polypropylene fabric and SMMS non-woven fabric are commonly used in the production of medical equipment. And while both materials make good medical gowns, the difference lies in one major factor: water resistance.
While Polypropylene is a breathable fabric with excellent durability, it does not offer much resistance against moisture. This makes it a level 1 protective medical gown.
On the other hand, apart from being breathable, SMMS medical gowns offer excellent moisture resistance. These make them level 3-4 protective medical gowns.
How long can I wear a medical gown for?
This depends on the circumstances you are in. According to official guidelines, medical professionals should change out of medical gowns every 2-3 hours, especially if there’s liquid splatter or in the case of abrasion. The effectiveness of medical gowns slowly deteriorates with time. Therefore, it is essential to change out of them frequently.
What does ‘AAMI Certified’ mean?
AAMI stands for Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. If the label on your gown reads ‘AAMI certified’, this means that the gown passed most of the standard quality tests required to ensure its effectiveness.
What should I look for when purchasing a medical gown?
Most healthcare professionals purchase and stock up on a variety of gowns to perform procedures. When browsing for medical gowns, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of procedures will I be performing?
- Am I going to be exposed to contaminated zones for long periods? If yes, will I have time to change out of disposable gowns constantly?
- What levels of protection do I require?
Answering these questions will help you narow down your options.
How do I dispose of my medical gown?
The WHO recommends treating medical gowns as infectious waste and suggests disposing of them in the same manner.
- After removing the gown, place it in a plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of it in a special disposal system at the hospital or discard it in the bin.
This method of disposal reduces the risk of spreading diseases.
In Conclusion
Medical gowns offer more than just protecting doctors and nurses from infectious diseases. Wearing protective gear is a collective effort to minimize the spread of infectious diseases and pathogens, which is why it is necessary to make the right choice when making a purchase with these FAQs of disposable gowns.
