Explore A Little More About Medical Gowns

Posted by helenan on February 1st, 2021

Gowns are a part of personal protective equipment that is widely used in health care settings. They are used to ensure the protection of wearer from the spread of germs, bacteria or viruses that can cause serious infection and illness if the wearer comes in contact with contaminants. Gowns are also used to prevent the transmission of disease and infection causing microorganisms to the vulnerable patients from the wearer. Clearly, gowns are a part of infection control strategy at health care facilities across the globe.  

Gowns are termed differently by people. They are named based on their intended use in health care faculties; accordingly they can be called as isolation gowns, surgical gowns, nonsurgical gowns, surgical isolation gowns, operating room gowns, and so on. Hospital gowns are worn not just by patients, but also doctors performing procedure, surgical or non-surgical, on patients.

In medical standards, gowns are identified as barrier protection and also have terminologies in the medical world to define the barrier protection levels of gowns as well as other protective apparels used in health care.

Gowns are known to provide different levels of protection:

Level 1: They are used in conditions where risks are minimal. For instance, during basic care, standard isolation, and examples include standard medical units, cover gowns for visitors, etc.

Level 2: Gowns offering level 2 protection are used in low risk conditions like suturing, blood draw, in the intensive care unit, and also in a pathology lab

Level 3: Offering protection from moderate risks, gowns can be worn during arterial blood draw, in the emergency room, or in the trauma center

Level 4: Gowns worn during long, fluid intense procedures such as surgery or in procedures when strong pathogen resistance is needed, or where infectious diseases are suspected

Regardless of how gowns are named, they serve the basic purpose of infection control. However, when it comes to choosing gowns, it is very important to get details of their intended purpose. It is crucial to wear the right apparel to ensure its effectiveness in the medical settings. Also, gowns should be changed immediately after the procedure, and washed after every use to prevent the spread of infections.

Buying a gown has become easier than ever as online medical supplies stores carry a large number of units to help consumers find the perfect type for their need. It’s essential to make a choice carefully so as to take maximum advantage of this protective equipment.