Isolation Gown

Isolation Gowns: Materials, Types, and Customization

Isolation Gowns are a critical component of personal protective equipment (PPE), meticulously designed to safeguard the wearer from exposure to bodily fluids, infectious materials, and other potential contaminants. These garments are specifically engineered for use in healthcare settings and play a vital role in comprehensive infection control practices.

Gaiamed offers disposable isolation gowns crafted from two primary non-woven materials, each providing distinct levels of protection and comfort:

• PP (Polypropylene): This material provides basic protection. It is lightweight and breathable, making it suitable for low-risk situations where there is minimal fluid exposure. PP gowns are generally comfortable for extended wear.
• SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond): This multi-layered fabric offers enhanced protection and superior breathability. The SMS material consists of an inner and outer layer of spunbond polypropylene for strength and durability, with a middle layer of meltblown polypropylene that acts as a highly effective filter against fluids and particles. SMS gowns are ideal for moderate to high-risk environments.

Gaiamed’s isolation gowns are available in different configurations to meet varied clinical needs:

• Standard Gowns: These provide general barrier protection for routine tasks.
• Reinforced Gowns: Designed for higher-risk procedures, these gowns feature additional layers or specialized material in critical areas (such as the chest and sleeves) to offer a significantly higher level of resistance to penetration by bodily fluids and pathogens. This reinforcement enhances protection in situations with expected moderate to heavy fluid contact.

Furthermore, these disposable gowns are highly customizable to ensure optimal fit and functionality:

• Collar Closure: Options include a convenient tie-on closure for adjustable fit or a quick and secure Velcro closure.
• Cuffs: Gowns can be equipped with either knitted cuffs for a soft, snug fit that helps prevent exposure at the wrist, or elastic cuffs for a flexible and secure seal.
• Weight Options (GSM): Available in various weights, ranging from 28gsm to 45gsm (grams per square meter). A higher GSM generally indicates a thicker, more durable, and often more protective fabric, while lower GSM gowns prioritize lightness and breathability for minimal risk tasks.
• Sizing: Gaiamed provides a comprehensive range of sizes, from S to XXL, ensuring a proper and comfortable fit for diverse body types of healthcare professionals.

By offering a variety of materials, protection levels, and customizable features, Gaiamed ensures that healthcare facilities can select the ideal isolation gowns to maintain stringent infection control and provide maximum safety for their staff and patients.

When should a reinforced Isolation Gown be chosen over a standard gown?

Reinforced Isolation Gowns are typically chosen for situations with an increased or high risk of exposure to bodily fluids and hazardous materials. They are commonly used in surgical settings, during invasive medical procedures, or when there is a higher likelihood of fluid splashes or sprays. The reinforced areas (often the chest and sleeves) provide an extra layer of protection against strike-through. Standard isolation gowns, on the other hand, are suitable for routine examinations, basic patient care, and situations with minimal expected fluid exposure. The choice depends on the anticipated risk level of the procedure.

Isolation Gowns: Uses, Application, Storage, and Disposal

What are Isolation Gown used for?

Isolation Gowns serve as a protective garment designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and preserve a sterile environment. These gowns are primarily used in healthcare settings, laboratories, cleanrooms, and various other situations where individuals may come into contact with infectious materials, bodily fluids, or potentially harmful contaminants. By creating a barrier between the wearer and potential hazards, isolation gowns significantly assist infection control practices, safeguarding both healthcare professionals and patients.

How is an Isolation Gown worn?

To wear an isolation gown correctly and ensure maximum protection, the following steps should be followed:

1. Hand Hygiene: Start by thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This prevents contamination during the gown application.
2. Size Selection: Select the appropriate size of isolation gown to ensure it covers the body adequately from the neck to below the knees, and extends to the wrists.
3. Donning: Carefully put on the gown, ensuring your arms go through the sleeves.
4. Securing: The gown can be secured at the back using tie-on closures (tying strings at the neck and waist) or Velcro closures, or at the waist using one-band or four-band closures, depending on the gown’s specific design. Ensure it fits snugly but allows for full range of motion.
5. Inspection: A visual inspection should be carried out to check for any defects, tears, or damage in the gown before use. If any flaws are identified, the gown should be immediately discarded and replaced to maintain the gown’s integrity and protective barrier.

How should unused Isolation Gowns be stored?

Unused isolation gowns should be stored in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area. It is crucial to shield them from direct sunlight, excessive heat sources, harsh chemicals, and moisture, as these factors can compromise the gown’s material integrity and protective properties over time. To prevent contamination and retain the integrity of the gowns, it is highly recommended to store them in their original packaging or in a suitable, designated container specifically for this purpose. Proper storage is essential to ensure that the masks provide adequate protection when needed.

How should used Isolation Gowns be disposed of?

The proper disposal of used Isolation Gowns is critically required to uphold stringent infection control standards and prevent potential contamination. Healthcare facilities typically have established protocols and regulations for the disposal of medical waste, including used isolation gowns, which must be strictly adhered to. Depending on the specific guidelines and local regulations, used isolation gowns may be treated as biohazardous medical waste and disposed of accordingly in designated waste bins. This ensures the safe and responsible handling of potentially contaminated materials.

Are Isolation Gown reusable?

Generally, Isolation Gowns are designed for single-use to preserve their efficacy and prevent the potential spread of contaminants. Reusing isolation gowns can compromise their protective properties, as their barrier effectiveness may degrade after initial use or improper reprocessing, increasing the risk of pathogen transmission. For optimal safety and infection control, disposable gowns should be discarded after each use.

What is the difference between PP and SMS Isolation Gown?

The primary difference between PP (Polypropylene) and SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) Isolation Gowns lies in their material construction and the level of protection they offer:

• PP (Polypropylene) Isolation Gowns: These are typically lightweight, more cost-effective, and provide basic defense against fluids and contaminants. They are suitable for low-risk environments.
• SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) Isolation Gowns: These offer enhanced breathability and superior fluid resistance. The SMS material consists of multiple layers: two outer spunbond layers for strength and an inner meltblown layer that acts as a highly effective barrier against bacteria and small particles. SMS gowns are preferred for moderate to high-risk situations where greater protection against fluid penetration is needed.