The Uses of Different Protective Medical Gowns

Medical gowns play a pivotal role in protecting the wearer from bodily fluids, chemicals, and pathogens. This article aims to provide a clear and concise understanding of the various types of medical gowns and their functions.

Isolation Gowns

Isolation gowns are designed to protect the wearer from bodily fluids and ensure that the infection is not transmitted to others. They are generally made from non-woven fabrics and are water-resistant. Isolation gowns typically provide full coverage from the neckline to below the knees and are secured using a tie or hook and loop closure at the neck and the back. Many isolation gowns are designed to be disposable, even though reusable isolation gowns are also available.

Surgical Gowns

Surgical gowns are designed to be worn during surgical procedures and other invasive operations. They are made from materials that provide a barrier against fluids and bacteria, such as non-woven fabrics, reinforced with impervious film or polyethylene coating. Surgical gowns should cover both the arms and have a closing mechanism that wilfully adjusts the neckline for fixation and protection during the procedure. Surgical gowns are typically sterile, and healthcare professionals must wear them in a sterile environment to maintain aseptic conditions.

Chemical protecting medical gowns

A chemical protective medical gown is worn to protect yourself from hazardous or corrosive substances when handling dangerous medical substances. In addition to the requirements for chemical-resistant protective clothing and chemical corrosion of clothing materials, airtightness and clothing seam structure are more stringent.

Chemotherapy Gowns

Chemotherapy gowns are designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure to cytotoxic drugs. Medical staff may be exposed to these drugs during the preparation or administration of chemotherapy treatment. These gowns should be made of highly impervious, durable, and breathable materials that protect the wearer from these hazardous substances. They provide full coverage of the body and should be used as a single-use product.

Visitor Gowns

Cover gowns are used by visitors, family members, and other people who enter the operating room. Unlike isolation and surgical gowns, cover gowns do not have specialized properties to protect against bodily fluids, microbes, or hazardous substances. Cover gowns have a basic design, made of lightweight material and primarily intended to prevent the spread of dust and other contaminants from the wearer's environment. They do not have closures at the back and are primarily designed to avoid contaminating the patient or sterile environment.

For medical professionals, protective medical gowns are an essential tool to maintain infection control and safety procedures. By picking the right kind of medical gown, the wearer can protect themselves and others and prevent the spread of infections. Isolation gowns, surgical gowns, chemotherapy gowns, and cover gowns are all designed to have different properties and serve distinct purposes. In medical settings, selecting the right gown will ensure the closest protective property matches that needed in that situation. Ultimately, any medical gown should be tested and verified to the appropriate safety standards to ensure that the best patient and healthcare provider experience is achieved.