With the conductance of nearly 51.4 million surgical procedures in the US alone as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare providers are constantly exposed to pathogens. This tremendously elevates the risk of getting infected which not only puts economic pressure on the healthcare system but also keeps the healthcare providers out of their jobs until they recover. As a preventive measure, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, medical gowns, face masks, etc. is mandatory within medical care facilities.
Medical gowns are an essential part of personal protective equipment
In this article, we will go through what medical gowns are, when to use them, and what are some of the safety standards for these products. Additionally, some of the top-quality medical gown brands have also been linked for buyer’s convenience.
What are Medical Gowns?
Medical gowns are a part of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for healthcare professionals. It is a part of the infection-control strategies in healthcare as these protect the healthcare providers from getting infected by the patients. It is safe to say that medical gowns are essentially a barrier between the doctor and the disease-causing entities.
Types of Medical Gowns
Medical gowns can be classified into the following types:
1.     Non-Surgical Isolation Gowns
Non-surgical isolation gowns are non-sterile products that are employed in low-risk environments. These can be donned during routine care. The protection they offer is of a basic level and thus these gowns cannot be employed during surgeries or other aerosol-generating procedures.
2.     Surgical Gowns
Surgical gowns are suitability for use during sterile procedures and can be worn by healthcare providers as well as patients. Being ANSI/AAMI PB70 level 3 or 4 gowns, these products meet the stringent pre-set standards and offer protection to the front side of the body as well as the arms.
3.     Surgical Isolation Gowns
Surgical isolation medical gowns are designed for high-risk environments. These provide extensive body coverage when compared to that offered by the standard surgical gowns as they protect both the front and back side of the body along with the arms.
The following table summarizes these types along with their FDA and ANSI/AAMI classes. In addition, the environments in which these medical gowns are employed have also been enlisted:
| Type | Critical Protection Zones | Protection Level | Uses | |
| ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level | FDA Class | |||
| Non-Surgical Isolation Gowns | Non-sterile, as much of the body as required | 1 to 2 | I | Non-invasive procedures in low-risk care settings |
| Surgical Gowns | Arms and the front side of the body | 3 to 4 | II | Moderate-risk surgical procedures |
| Surgical Isolation Gowns | The entire gown except cuffs, hems, and bindings | 3 to 4 | II | High-risk procedures with extensive fluid exposure |
Medical gowns are a must before performing surgeries
Uses of Medical Gowns
Different kinds of medical gowns can be employed to get varying benefits. Some of these uses include the following:
- The primary application of medical gowns is that they prevent the transfer of infections from the patients to the healthcare providers.
- Additionally, wearing a medical gown also reduces the risk of cross-contamination and, subsequently, infection transmission from one patient to another.
- The employment of medical gowns along with other personal protective equipment helps maintain a sterile environment within the healthcare facilities.
- Medical gowns are particularly helpful while dealing with vulnerable patients who have a compromised immune system such as during chemotherapy, etc.
- Medical gowns are employed for general isolation in outpatient departments.
Surgical isolation gowns are necessary for performing high-risk procedures
Safety Standards
To regularize the medical gowns available in the US, a system called ANSI/AAMI PB70 has been introduced as a result of a joint effort of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Based on these standards, medical gowns have been classified into 4 categories depending on the level of protection they provide against fluids. The Level 1 medical gowns offer the least protection while Level 4 are the best ones. The following table highlights these categories along with their specificities:
| Levels of Medical Gowns | Protection Capacity | Suitability for Employment |
| Level 1 | Lowest protection | Basic care i.e. cover gown for visitors, standard isolation |
| Level 2 | Low risk | Low-risk environments including drawing blood samples in pathology, suturing, ICU |
| Level 3 | Moderate risk | Restricts the penetration of pathogen-containing fluids during arterial blood draw or IV insertion, employment in emergency rooms |
| Level 4 | Highest risk | Prevents the entry of pathogenic fluids during surgeries or while dealing with suspected infectious diseases |
Level 4 medical gowns are suitable for high-risk procedures including major surgeries
Medical Gowns at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Medical gowns are the products that are an essential part of the personal protective equipment. These act as a barrier between the healthcare staff and the diseased patient and thus prevent the entry of pathogenic entities into the body that could put the healthcare providers at risk.
As medical gowns are a necessary item in healthcare facilities, many brands manufacture these items and put them on the market. Some of the top-quality medical gowns are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
41735 Halyard Aero Blue Performance Surgical Gown, Size 2XL 28CS
US$224.26
Product Details
41735 Halyard Aero Blue performance surgical gown is a product that is of level 3 of the AAMI. This indicates that the product is suitable for use in areas where moderate to heavy liquid exposure is expected. In addition, the product also meets the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1670. That’s why, these medical gowns are proven to be resistant against several microbial entities.
Moreover, these 41735 Halyard Aero Blue performance surgical gowns have a core fabric technology that has high efficacy against blood droplets or splashes of other bodily fluids. The construction material of these medical gowns keeps the wearer protected as well as ventilated as the fabric has high breathability.
Furthermore, these 41735 Halyard Aero Blue performance surgical gowns are sterile and can be used for conducting surgical procedures. The Raglan sleeves also offer great freedom as the wearer can easily move within them. The neckline is adjustable and remains secure during usage. The product also comes with a sterile towel that ensures the user’s convenience.
DYNJP2306P Prevention Plus Sterile Surgical Gowns with Breathable Film
US$170.00
Product Details
DYNJP2306P Prevention Plus sterile surgical gowns with breathable film are products that are cut wider through the neck. That’s why, it is easy to don on the gown. The chest as well as the shoulder area is also roomy and comfortable. This allows the healthcare providers to enjoy the freedom while moving with the medical gown.
Moreover, these DYNJP2306P Prevention Plus sterile surgical gowns are designed in a way that allows sweat and other moisture-based substances to escape. However, while the moisture can go out of the gown, no fluids can come in from the outside.
Furthermore, these DYNJP2306P Prevention Plus sterile surgical gowns have also been reinforced with breathable film-based material from all directions which is not only comfortable but also exceptionally strong. These medical gowns are overall light in weight and can be worn at all temperatures.
Graham Medical 222 3-Ply Tissue Exam Gown, 30″ Width, 42″ Length, Blue (Pack of 50)
US$19.88
Product Details
Graham Medical 222 3-Ply tissue exam gown, 30″ width, 42″ length, blue (Pack of 50) are the products that are worn by the patients during medical examination. These gowns have three layers of tissue that keep the device breathable as well as lightweight.
Moreover, these Graham Medical 222 3-Ply tissue exam gowns are soft and comfortable as well. The embossing on these gowns is in a pebble pattern that gives it an extra ply adhesion for rugged material strength.
Furthermore, these Graham Medical 222 3-Ply tissue exam gowns are 15.51 x 12.99 x 12.01 inches in length and only weigh 8.9 pounds. The waist belt size is up to 42 inches which accommodates the patients belonging to all age and weight groups.
Graham Medical AmpleWear Patient Gown – Blue 40″ x 50″ 50756
US$117.88
Product Details
Graham Medical AmpleWear patient gown – blue 40″ x 50″ 50756 is a product that is employed during patient examination and treatment for the patient’s comfort as well as modesty. The size of the product is 40″ x 50″ it is suitable for use in patients who require a gown size up to 9X.
Moreover, these Graham Medical AmpleWear patient gowns are prepared using a soft and linen-like material that is opaque and does not reveal the skin. The material is also non-woven and thus does not irritate the patients especially those who often experience redness and itching due to coarse fabric.
In addition, the comfortable armholes and the roomy neckline snaps of these Graham Medical AmpleWear patient gowns also allow the ease of using the IV hook-ups. The telemetry pockets with cord slits can also be used for easy device placement apart from allowing mobility.
Furthermore, the product also has an easy-to-use front opening waist tie closure that can be used for securing the gown in place to ensure modesty. The product is ideal for use within all kinds of healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, etc. Each pack of Graham Medical AmpleWear patient gowns contains 25 gowns at the above-mentioned price.
Graham Medical 65334 Disposable Full Back Non-Woven ISO Gown, 30×46″, Blue CS50
US$64.99
Product Details
Graham Medical 65334 disposable full-back non-woven ISO medical gowns are single-use items that effectively prevent cross-contamination. These also ensure that the wearer remains protected from their neck to the arms.
The fabric of these Graham Medical 65334 disposable full-back non-woven ISO medical gowns is non-woven and, therefore, lightweight and breathable. Hence, it ensures that the user remains comfortable as the sweat keeps on evaporating.
Moreover, these Graham Medical 65334 disposable full-back non-woven ISO medical gowns are 30 inches wide and have a length of up to 46 inches which makes them suitable for all body types. The blue color of the product promotes visibility and identification.
The product has been specifically designed for use in isolation rooms or in environments where the risk of getting infected is extremely high. Overall, these Graham Medical 65334 disposable full non-woven ISO medical gowns are suitable for all medical facilities and are also affordable.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Medical gowns and other PPE act as a barrier against infectious entities
The medical gowns mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check different kinds of medical gowns.
Conclusion
While working in healthcare, doctors and nurses are exposed to infectious agents daily. This elevates their risk of getting infected at a frequent rate. Moreover, one patient can also contract an infection from another that could potentially worsen their health condition.
To reduce this risk of infection transmission, the use of personal protective equipment such as medical gowns, face masks, gloves, etc. is highly important. When it comes to medical gowns, different kinds of products are available that can be employed for different purposes.
Considering their importance, medical gowns must be purchased in bulk for all healthcare facilities including clinics, hospitals, dental care facilities, etc. For purchasing medical gowns of different brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/inpatient-surgery.htm
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/medical-gowns
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
