Things to Consider Before You Buy Disposable Isolation Gowns in Bulk

 

The COVID-19 outbreak has compelled everyone to focus on controlling the spread of the virus and using personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect ourselves against COVID-19. Selecting the best-quality PPE gowns or isolation gowns can be a bit of a struggle during conventional capacity times when PPE is witnessing demand spikes. Healthcare systems are associating with bulk PPE suppliers to buy disposable isolation gowns in bulk so that they have enough stock for the purpose of care and treatment to the infected patients.

This bulk buying or you can say panic buying during the pandemic has led to a shortage of PPE worldwide. In highly-affected countries like the USA, there’s an acute shortage of PPE gear. This has caused immense pressure on the bulk PPE suppliers in the USA to produce disposable isolation gowns on a large-scale. During these severe crisis capacity times, the decision to buy disposable gowns in bulk can be even more difficult with the growing need for isolation gowns every day or even each shift.

This article highlights key considerations that you cannot ignore when you buy isolation gowns in bulk.

But before that, let’s first understand what isolation gowns are.

What Are Isolation Gowns?

Isolation gowns are crafted to help healthcare workers and caregivers from virus-containing respiratory droplets, fluid penetration, and solids, thereby controlling the transfer of pathogens to vulnerable residents and staff.

Mainly there are two types of isolation gowns available for healthcare purposes:

1. Surgical Gowns

It is personal protective clothing that is made to be worn by frontline healthcare workers during surgical operations to protect both the patient and healthcare professional from the transfer of pathogens, body fluids, etc.

2. Non-surgical or Isolation Gowns

These gowns are Class 1 devices that are exempted from premarket review and are made to protect the wearer from the transfer of pathogens, body fluids, etc. in low or minimal risk patient isolation cases. Non-surgical gowns are not recommended for use during surgical operations, critical procedures, or when there’s a medium-to-high risk of infection or contamination.

Key Elements to Consider Before You Buy Disposable Isolation Gowns in Bulk

When buying isolation gowns, you must see if the gown

•  Has the ability to protect against infection, micro-organisms, or workplace hazards.
• Comes with a perfect fit.
• Provides unrestricted movement
• Is durable and affordable

What Are the Levels of Protection Standards for Isolation Gowns?

As per the FDA, there are 4 levels of protection standards:

• Level 1

Isolation gowns intended to be used in a situation where there is minimal risk, for example, during basic care and treatment, standard isolation, a protective gown for visitors, or in a medical unit.

• Level 2

Isolation gowns to be used in areas where there is low risk, for example, during blood draw or suturing, in a pathology lab, or in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

• Level 3

Isolation gowns to be worn in moderate-risk situations such as during arterial blood draw or inserting an intravenous (IV) line, treatment of trauma cases, in the emergency ward, etc.

• Level 4

The use of isolation gowns is mandatory in high-risk situations, for example, during lengthy fluid intense procedures, critical surgery, or to prevent the transfer of infectious diseases, pathogens, body fluids, etc.
Level 1 basic fluid resistance is normally recommended for the senior community for mitigating the risk of the spread of COVID-19. Surgical gowns or gowns with a higher level rating are recommended for advanced fluid-resistance needs.

Pay More Attention to the Product Label than the Product Name

When you buy disposable gowns in bulk, you should focus less on the product name, for example, nursing gowns, procedural gowns, or isolation gowns, and more on the function, level of protection standard, intended use, and so on. All this information will be given on the product label or packaging.

During these unprecedented times, the primary goal is to protect frontline caregivers and the senior community from the spread of the coronavirus and to mitigate the risk of accidental transfer of the virus to other vulnerable residents and staff.

To control the spread of COVID-19, non-surgical isolation or disposable isolation gowns are good enough, while for high-risk situations, surgical gowns are a must to prevent the transfer of blood or other body fluids.

Consider the Material, Intended Use, Clean vs Sterile When Selecting Isolation Gowns

The acute shortage of isolation gowns and other categories of PPE has led to the emergence of many PPE manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Countries like the USA that largely depend on imports from foreign countries are also encouraging the new bulk PPE suppliers in the USA to start producing essential PPE apparel and medical supplies to meet the growing demand for PPE. However, there are some PPE suppliers that are supplying low-quality PPE gear to healthcare systems at higher prices. The CDC recommends considering the following things before you choose isolation gowns for healthcare systems.

1. Material

Check the material of the isolation gowns. Typically, isolation gowns are made of cotton or a synthetic fabric (reusable gowns), or polypropylene (disposable gowns). Some gowns are even latex-free. Synthetic gowns are more effective in blocking fluids than cotton isolation gowns, thereby preventing the spread of COVID-19.

2. Intended Use

During the global pandemic, the primary goal is to protect frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 and control the accidental transfer of the virus from one person to another. For this, level 1 basic fluid resistance or non-surgical isolation gowns are good enough.

3. Clean or Sterile Gowns

Clean isolation gowns are recommended for isolation whereas sterile isolation gowns are suitable for invasive procedures. During the current situation, a clean isolation gown is sufficient for protection against COVID-19.

Consider the Ease of Use

Check how easy or difficult it is to put on or remove the isolation gown as this may impact its effectiveness and the potential for self-contamination. This should be taken care of when doffing of a contaminated isolation gown.

Opt for One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Every staff member would need isolation gowns that would fit perfectly and comfortably. However, due to the shortage of isolation gowns in many parts of the country, the bulk PPE suppliers in the USA are unable to meet the demand spikes for isolation gowns. During the current PPE shortage, a universal size may be the best option. However, the isolation gowns should allow the wearer to move freely to perform their job while providing enough coverage of their clothing and skin.

Consult with a Reliable PPE Supplier Before You Buy Disposable Gowns in Bulk

Before buying disposable isolation gowns in bulk, you should consider consulting with a reliable bulk PPE suppliers. They can provide better guidance on choosing the right PPE gear for specific tasks. Whether you’re looking for high-quality isolation gowns, face masks, or gloves, you should consider sourcing PPE gear from the bulk PPE suppliers in the USA to get effective products at an affordable price range.