Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential part of safeguarding healthcare professionals and patients from infections and contaminants. Among the various types of PPE, medical gowns play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections. Choosing the right quality PPE medical gowns is crucial in ensuring safety in healthcare settings. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting high-quality medical gowns.
Material and fabric
Quality PPE medical gowns are typically made from materials that provide a barrier against fluids and contaminants. The two most common materials used are polyethylene and polypropylene. Ensure that the gown material is fluid-resistant to ensure protection for healthcare workers. It’s also essential that the material is durable and tear-resistant to prevent accidental exposure.
Compliance with standards
When selecting medical gowns, ensure that they meet industry standards and regulations. Look for gowns that comply with standards such as ANSI/AAMI PB70 or EN 13795, which define performance requirements for medical gowns, including barrier properties, liquid resistance and durability. Compliance with these standards ensures that the gowns offer the intended protection.
Design and sizing
Medical gowns come in various designs, including open-back, closed-back and full coverage gowns. The choice of design depends on the specific needs of the healthcare setting. It’s crucial to select gowns that are easy to put on and take off, with secure fastenings to minimise the risk of exposure. Additionally, choose gowns in appropriate sizes to ensure a comfortable fit for healthcare workers, as ill-fitting gowns can reduce their effectiveness.
Level of protection
Medical gowns are categorized into different levels of protection based on their resistance to fluid penetration. Level 1 offers the lowest protection, suitable for basic care activities, while Level 4 provides the highest level of protection for high-risk procedures. It’s vital to assess the risk level of the task at hand and select the appropriate gown to match that risk.
Disposable vs. reusable
Medical gowns can be disposable or reusable. Disposable gowns are designed for single-use and are discarded after each patient interaction, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Reusable gowns, on the other hand, are designed for multiple uses and undergo stringent cleaning and sterilisation processes between uses. The choice between disposable and reusable gowns should be based on the healthcare facility’s infection control protocols and budget considerations.
Cost-efficiency
While quality is paramount, cost-efficiency is also an important factor to consider when choosing PPE medical gowns. Striking a balance between quality and cost is crucial to ensure the availability of adequate protective equipment without straining the healthcare facility’s budget.
A worthy investment
Selecting quality PPE medical gowns is a critical decision that can significantly impact the safety of healthcare workers and patients. Prioritising factors such as material, compliance with standards, design, sizing, protection level and cost-efficiency will help ensure that you make the right choice. By investing in high-quality medical gowns, healthcare facilities can maintain a safe and hygienic environment while minimising the risk of infection transmission.
