During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a strong focus on controlling the spread of the virus and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect residents, staff, and visitors. Choosing the best-quality PPE gowns, or isolation gowns can be a bit of a struggle during conventional capacity times when there’s an acute shortage of PPE supplies. During crisis capacity times, it could be even more difficult to select the best ones with the increasing demand for isolation gowns per day or even per shift at healthcare facilities. Being one of the leading bulk PPE suppliers in the USA, we have listed some important questions and considerations that you need to keep in mind before you buy disposable isolation gowns in bulk.
What Are Isolation Gowns?
Isolation gowns are intended for the use of frontline caregivers and healthcare staff to protect them against virus-containing respiratory droplets, fluid penetration, and solids, and prevent the spread of micro-organisms to vulnerable residents.
Typically, isolation gowns intended for healthcare purposes are of two types – surgical and non-surgical gowns.
- Surgical Gowns
A surgical gown is meant to be worn by health care workers during surgical procedures to protect themselves as well as the patient from the transfer of microorganisms, body fluids, and particulate matter.
- Non-surgical Gowns
Non-surgical, or isolation, gowns come under Class I devices that are exempted from premarket review and intended to protect the healthcare personnel from the transfer of pathogens and infectious body fluids in low or minimal risk patient isolation circumstances. Non-surgical gowns are not recommended for use during surgical procedures, invasive procedures, or when there is a medium-high risk of infection.
Key Elements to Consider When Selecting PPE Gowns
- Effectiveness of gowns in protecting against hazards at the workplace
- Should be of perfect fit and size
- Should provide freedom of movement
- Durability, quality, and cost-effectiveness
The 4 Levels of Protection Standards for Isolation Gowns
The FDA knows the consensus standard American National Standards Institute/Association of the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (ANSI/AAMI) PB70:2003, “Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities.”
There are four levels of protection standards:
- Level 1: Minimal risk situations – Isolation gowns to be used during basic healthcare, standard isolation situations and medical units, and cover gown for visitors.
- Level 2: Low-risk situations – Isolation gowns to be used during the blood draw, suturing, in the pathology lab, or Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- Level 3: Moderate risk situations – Isolation gowns are intended for use during the arterial blood draw, in the emergency room, inserting an intravenous (IV) line, or for trauma cases
- Level 4: High-risk situations – Isolations gowns should be used during long, fluid intense procedures, surgery when resistance to microorganisms is needed or infectious diseases are suspected (non-airborne).
The healthcare personnel can use the Level 1 basic fluid resistance gowns to prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing a gown with a higher level rating is not necessary as there is a low to minimal risk of blood or other body fluids that are being transferred. However, when you need more advanced fluid-resistance, you should use a surgical gown with a higher-level rating.
Focus on the Product Label than the Product Name
When you buy disposable isolation gowns in bulk, you should consider what’s on the product label more than the product name. And this is why, we use the term isolation gown. However, you need to focus less on the product name such as isolation gown, nursing gown, procedural gown, etc., and more on the purpose and protection level standards of the gown. All these will be mentioned in the product label or packaging.
Qualities of an Ideal Isolation Gown
- Breathability – A good-quality isolation gown ensures that the wearer can wear it all day with ease.
- Comfort – The isolation gown should be made of the right fabric to provide the best comfort to the wearer.
- Protection – An ideal isolation gown should ensure the maximum protection of skin and clothing with the best fit with lightweight.
As one of the trusted bulk PPE suppliers in the USA, Co-Defend offers a wide range of surgical as well as non-surgical gowns that offer the maximum protection against infection and are made with the best-fitting material or fabric.
If you want to buy disposable gowns in bulk, you may place your orders at Co-Defend.
Things to Consider Before You Buy Disposable Isolation Gowns in Bulk
The CDC advises evaluating three things when you buy disposable isolation gowns in bulk for healthcare settings – the Purpose, Material and Clean vs. Sterile.
- The Purpose or the Intended Use
During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the main aims are to protect frontline healthcare professionals from the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent the accidental transfer of COVID-19 to other residents and staff. Wearing isolation gowns with Level 1 basic fluid resistance would be good enough.
- Material Used
When you buy disposable gowns in bulk, make sure to look for what the isolation gowns are made of. Generally, cotton or a synthetic material like polyester are used to make reusable isolation gowns, and polyethylene or polypropylene materials are used to make disposable isolation gowns. Some isolation gowns are also latex-free. Isolation gowns made of synthetic materials are usually more effective in blocking fluids and therefore, they are preferred over cotton gowns to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Clean vs. Sterile Gowns
While clean isolation gowns are used for patient isolation situations, sterile isolation gowns are intended for use during invasive procedures such as inserting a central line. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a clean isolation gown works great to reduce the spread of the virus.
How Easy It is to Put on and Remove Isolation Gowns?
The level of ease or difficulty while putting on and removing the isolation may affect its effectiveness and the potential for self-contamination, especially when removing a contaminated isolation gown.
Consider the Different Sizes and Fits Before Your Buy Disposable Gowns in Bulk
During the pre-COVID-19 pandemic situation, every healthcare worker would wear a gown of perfect size and fit. However, in the present COVID-19 situation, going with the universal size may be an ideal option. In such situations, it’s still important to ensure that the isolation gown gives the wearer enough freedom of movement to perform the job conveniently while covering the skin and clothing as much as possible.
Get the Best-quality Isolation Gowns at Co-Defend
We, at Co-Defend, offer the best-quality isolation gowns that provide the highest level of protection and are definitely value for money. If you’re planning to buy disposable isolation gowns in bulk, you must consider sourcing it from the bulk PPE suppliers in the USA to get PPE gear at the most affordable price without compromising on safety and protection.
Co-Defend is the right source for a wide range of PPE, including isolation gowns, face masks, gloves, etc. If you want to get high-quality products at the best market price, make smart buying with Co-Defend.
FAQs
Q.1. What are disposable surgical isolation gowns made of?
Ans. Typically, disposable surgical gowns and drapes are made of hydroentangled polypropylene face fabric that is laminated to a micro-porous breathable film which serves as a barrier to micro-organisms and viruses
Q.2. Can we sterilize surgical gowns?
Ans. Surgical gowns can be sterilized using radiation, steam, and ethylene oxide, however, the sterilization is not limited to these methods only. Both disposable and non-disposable contaminated surgical gowns should be properly contained at the end of the critical surgical procedure.
Q.3. What parts of surgical gowns can be considered sterile?
Ans. The front, chest part of the surgical gowns is considered sterile. Along with that, the sleeves are also considered sterile from two inches above the elbow to the stockinet cuff. The cuff is not considered sterile because it tends to collect moisture and does not serve as an effective bacterial barrier.
Have more questions related to isolation gowns? Feel free to contact us right away!