The global COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable medical gowns. These gears are intended to help healthcare workers prevent the spread of secretions, blood, excretions, and other body fluids as well as other infectious particles. Such medical protective clothing is like armor for healthcare workers as it protects them against contagious diseases and pathogens during patient treatment and care.
Sudden demand spikes for PPEs led to a severe shortage of PPE supplies which became a major concern for healthcare providers, public health authorities, and medical PPE suppliers in the USA. The PPE manufacturers and suppliers have scaled their production and services to meet the rising demand.
Disposable Medical Gowns
An important tool for healthcare professionals for protection against infection is a medical gown. Medical gowns are of two types - surgical gowns and isolation gowns. Disposable medical gowns are the second-most commonly used PPE apparel after medical gloves, in healthcare settings.
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), surgical gowns are defined as “Medical devices worn by operating room workers during surgical procedures to protect both the surgical patient and the operating room employees from the transmission of pathogens, body fluids, and other contaminants.” On the other hand, isolation gowns, offer protection against blood, secretions, and other bodily fluids. These gowns are made of impermeable fabric.
The smallest component of medical gown fabrics is fibers. Therefore, the physical properties and effectiveness of gowns depend on both the physical and chemical barrier properties of fibers. Physically, the fiber’s length and surface are crucial for the fabric’s protection property. Fabrics made using extremely thin and fine fibers, like microfibers, are ideal for manufacturing barrier materials that provide effective protection.
The chemical property of the fiber is the absorbing capacity which is important for PPE gowns’ effectiveness. Highly absorbent fibers can absorb the fluids which trap the viruses and bacteria within the fiber structure. Low absorbent fibers, a.k.a. hygroscopic fibers, can make the liquid wick along the fiber’s surface. This improves the capillary movement of liquid, containing pathogens.
Natural fibers like silk, cotton, wool, etc. are highly absorbent than synthetic polymer-based fibers like polyester and polypropylene.
In the case of certain medical procedures, the barrier capability offered by a single-ply material is not sufficient. Hence, an extra layer of protection is required in such cases. This protection may be in the form of additional layers of material, coating, or reinforcements to make hybrid or composite materials. Additionally, the properties of an item can be improved to provide absorbency, slip resistance, additional strength, etc.
According to research, fabric properties, like thickness, pore size, wicking, and repellency affect its effectiveness as an infection or fluid barrier.
Disposable Medical Gowns - Types to Consider
Before you buy disposable medical gowns for your healthcare settings, make sure you know the different types of medical gowns and which type can provide higher protection against fluid or infection. Here are the different types of medical gowns:
Surgical Gowns
Surgical gowns are intended to protect patients and healthcare workers during surgical procedures. The main objective of a surgical gown is to prevent viruses, bacteria, and other infectious pathogens, or bodily fluids like blood, secretions, excretions, etc. from spreading from one individual to another. Surgical gowns must protect certain areas of the human body including the arms, shoulders, wrists, and knees.
This type of medical gown is the outermost clothing and a single line of defense, and therefore, it is very important to use during surgery. Surgical gowns are made of high-quality materials to reduce the risk of infection. These are generally lightweight for better comfort.
Isolation Gowns
Disposable isolation gowns are mainly designed for medium to high risk of contamination or infection. They are mostly used during procedures that involve large life-threatening zones. The layers of isolation gowns must provide equivalent fluid protection as the rest of the clothing.
Isolation gowns are usually made of lightweight and breathable material which provides comfort during lengthy medical procedures. These medical gowns are composed of material that is soak-resistant. The use of disposable isolation gowns has resulted in lower infection rates in hospital settings.
Coveralls
At times, doctors and other healthcare professionals must take extra precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Severe diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, and Ebola can be transmitted through biological fluids that surgeons are often exposed to during a medical procedure.
A coverall suit or gown provides its wearers a better body coverage, preventing their bodies from being directly exposed to such fluids. Coverall gowns are usually made using waterproof polymeric fabric.
End Note
So, that’s all about disposable medical gowns. Hope you’ve now got useful information about medical gowns, what they are made of, and their different types. This information will help you decide which one is the most suitable option for your use before you go to buy disposable medical gowns in bulk.
If you’re looking to buy the best-quality medical gowns at an affordable price, you can source them from trusted medical PPE suppliers in the USA.
Feel free to visit Dexcon Global for bulk orders of PPE and rapid covid test kits for sale australia.
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