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Types of Surgical Gowns
Maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of barrier garments
Keeping PPE in use during emergencies
Storing Isolation Gowns to Maximize Life Cycle
Types of Surgical Gowns
Surgical gowns are personal protective equipment used by many people in health care. Surgical gowns are used by surgeons and the surgical team for all types of procedures. Modern surgical gowns provide a breathable, protective barrier for the surgeons and all health care providers. They protect patients and staff from the transfer of body fluids and microorganisms. For staff members, they protect critical areas of the body.
Critical areas include the front of the body from the knees to the shoulders. They also include the area from the wrists to the shoulders.
When there is a moderate to high risk of contamination, healthcare professionals use surgical barrier gowns. In this case, the entire body is considered a protected area except for the cuffs, straps and hem.
Non-surgical gowns are suitable for protecting staff from the transfer of contaminants and fluids. However, team members should use such gowns only when there is minimal chance of transfer. Be sure not to use non-surgical gowns during surgical or invasive procedures or in situations where there is a moderate to high risk of contamination.
The labeling of PPE garments should indicate that the product has been tested and meets the performance standards for its intended use. See American Society for Testing and Materials. Standards Manual (ASTM) F2407 for more information.
Medical gowns are part of the overall infection control measures. Respirators and gloves are also part of this strategy.
Manufacturers may use different names for their PPE gowns. They may call them isolation gowns, procedural gowns, or coveralls.
Despite the different names, healthcare leaders and users of PPE equipment must look for labels that describe the intended use. In addition, the FDA has listed best practices for using PPE.
Maximizing the effectiveness and longevity of barrier garments
Medical personnel should always perform hand hygiene before putting on and taking off PPE.
If they may come into contact with blood or fluids, they must always wear a sterile gown. In addition, PPE is always necessary when performing surgery or invasive treatments.
Healthcare workers should secure their gowns at the neck and waist, or as required by the manufacturer. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for wearing PPE.
When putting on PPE, it is critical that the protective gown completely covers the healthcare worker's clothing from front to back. It is also important that the protective clothing fits snugly over the staff member's wrists. Staff members should pull their gloves up to the cuffs.
When removing or taking off the gown, staff members should slowly remove the gown and roll it inside-out and away from their bodies. This process will keep the contaminated front or sleeve inside the bag.
When removing PPE, medical staff should do so in the patient's room or in a designated dressing area outside the patient's room. Next, staff should dispose of the contaminated protective clothing in the designated laundry container.
Keeping PPE in use during emergencies
You can use conventional procedures to wash this PPE equipment. However, it is important to emphasize to medical personnel that they should not touch the outer surface of the sterile gown.
You may have to increase the cleaning of PPE equipment to ensure that staff have an adequate supply. If this is the case, it is important to establish an ongoing system to inspect and maintain PPE supplies for problems such as holes or damaged or missing fasteners. Once medical gowns become thin or tear, they are at the end of their life cycle.
Storing Isolation Gowns to Maximize Life Cycle
Currently, healthcare facilities face many financial and legal barriers. Reusable barrier gowns not only ease the burden of the current PPE shortage. They are also more cost effective and less harmful to the environment.
Unfortunately, many patients contract diseases while receiving treatment in hospitals. A large percentage of these patients die as a result of these infections.PPAs help reduce the number of contaminants transferred to patients by health care workers.
Isolation stations are a safe and effective tool for storing PPE equipment and ensuring that it remains sterile until needed. They are also ideal for surge situations where space is currently limited. You can easily install an isolation station in a small location.
Isolation stations can help strengthen your organization's efforts to prevent the spread of disease. They can also help you ensure that medical personnel have personal protective equipment when they need it most.