Surgical Gown VS Isolation Gown. What are the Difference ...

Understanding the Distinctions Between Surgical Gowns and Isolation Gowns

To guide you in selecting the appropriate gown, we detail the essential factors and key aspects of choosing the best option.

For more differences between isolation gown and coverall information, please contact us for expert advice.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the use of isolation gowns has surged among the public as an integral part of personal protective equipment (PPE). As the virus becomes more of a threat, the demand for these gowns continues to rise. Isolation gowns play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals from potential exposure.

Knowing how to choose the most suitable isolation gown level for protection is critical, especially with the overwhelming number of manufacturers in the market.

Classification of Isolation Gowns

Non-Surgical Isolation Gowns

Non-surgical isolation gowns serve to shield the wearer's front-line PPE from fluids and infectious droplets. These single-use gowns effectively prevent microorganisms from reaching those with compromised immune systems.

Surgical Gowns: A Medical Necessity

Surgical gowns are essential garments worn by surgeons during operations. Made typically from disposable materials like paper or plastic, they protect the user’s clothing from blood and bodily fluids. In some hospital contexts, patients may also wear these gowns.

Comparing Surgical and Isolation Gowns

• Surgical Gown: Suitable for any risk level, ranging from Levels 1 to 4, surgical gowns are used by healthcare personnel during procedures to protect both patients and staff from the transmission of microorganisms, fluids, and particulates. These gowns must be explicitly labeled as "surgical gowns".
• Surgical Isolation Gowns: These are needed for medium to high-risk contamination scenarios. Surgical isolation gowns require more extensive critical zones than standard surgical gowns, covering all areas except bindings, cuffs, and hems. These gowns must provide the highest level of liquid barrier protection.
• Non-Surgical Gown: For low to minimal risk situations, non-surgical gowns are not used in surgical or invasive procedures. They offer similar structures to surgical isolation gowns but are purposed for less critical environments.

The Importance of Reusable Isolation Gowns

Made from sturdy, washable fabrics, reusable isolation gowns offer the same level of protection as disposable counterparts but at reduced costs. These gowns are ideal for healthcare facilities aiming to lower environmental impact and save money.

Understanding Critical Zones in Surgical Gowns

The design and construction of surgical gowns and other protective equipment focus on anticipated liquid contact areas. Critical zones include any region subject to direct contact with blood, body fluids, and other infectious materials, although areas outside the critical zones can also inadvertently be exposed.

Critical Protection Areas in Surgical Gowns

• The entire front (areas A, B, and C) of the gown, including seams and other components, should meet at least level 1 barrier performance.
• Critical zones primarily comprise areas A and B.
• The back of the gown (area D) may be left non-protective.

Illustrative Example of a Surgical Gown

1. Critical zone – front
2. Critical zone – sleeve
3. Front
4. Back

Source: Critical Zones for Surgical Gowns. (2021, January 13). [Photograph].

Critical Zones in Surgical Isolation and Non-Surgical Gowns

• The entire gown (areas A, B, and C), including seams but excluding cuffs, hems, and bindings, must meet at least level 1 barrier performance.
• For high-risk scenarios requiring more extensive critical zones, surgical isolation gowns are recommended.

Illustrative Example of a Surgical Isolation and Non-Surgical Gown

1. Critical zone – front
2. Critical zone – sleeve
3. Critical zone – back

Source: Critical Zones for Surgical Isolation Gowns and Non-Surgical Gowns. (2021, January 13). [Photograph].

"Surgical Gowns and Surgical Isolation Gowns are regulated by the FDA as Class II medical devices requiring a 510(k) premarket notification."

"Non-Surgical Gowns are Class I medical devices exempt from premarket review."

Deciphering Isolation Gown Levels

The level of protection determines the minimum set of measures organizations must implement to safeguard their information and systems, as mandated by various regulatory bodies.

Understanding AAMI Protection Levels

The AAMI protection levels classify medical devices by invasiveness, spanning four levels from Level I (least invasive) to Level IV (most invasive). Devices under Level I pose minimal harm, whereas Level IV devices have a high potential risk.

Standard ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 governs surgical gowns, isolation gowns, and various other items. These norms are FDA-required for all medical textile producers.

• Level 1 : Minimal risk settings, such as basic care, standard isolation, visitor cover gowns, or standard medical units.
• Level 2 : Low-risk contexts like blood draws, suturing, ICU settings, or pathology labs.
• Level 3 : Moderate risk scenarios including arterial blood draws, IV lines, ER settings, or trauma cases.
• Level 4 : High-risk situations involving long, fluid-intensive procedures, surgeries, pathogen resistance requirements, or suspected infectious diseases (non-airborne).

Protective apparel must meet specific standards and testing to assess liquid barrier performance and classification for healthcare use.

For more details, please visit breathable hooded protective coverall.

Learn more about the different medical gown standards in the US and EU here: What are the standards of medical gowns? 2 differences between USA and EU standards

Key Factors in Selecting an Appropriate Isolation Gown

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends considering three aspects when selecting gowns for healthcare environments.

Purpose

• Who will wear the gown?
• In what setting will it be used?
• What are the potential risks?

These questions guide the choice of isolation gowns.

Materials: Composition of Isolation Gowns

• Disposable isolation gowns are crafted from polyethylene or polypropylene.
• Reusable gowns use cotton or synthetic materials like polyester. They can also be latex-free.

Synthetic materials are generally more effective at blocking fluids and are preferred over cotton for COVID-19 prevention.

Risk Assessment

The environmental risk level and anticipated exposure type dictate the necessary isolation gown type.

For instance, in low-risk environments (e.g., a blood draw), a medical professional requires an AAMI Level 2 gown.

Procedures for Donning and Doffing Isolation Gowns

The method of wearing and removing a gown affects its effectiveness and the risk of contamination, particularly when doffing a soiled gown.

Donning Procedure

• Choose the appropriate type and size.
• The opening should be at the back.
• Secure it at the neck and waist.
• If too small, use two gowns for better protection.
• Wear the first gown with the opening at the front and the second gown over it with the opening at the back.

Doffing Procedure

• Unfasten ties.
• Pull the gown away from the neck and shoulders.
• Turn the contaminated outside toward the inside.
• Fold or roll into a bundle (only the "clean" area should be visible).
• Dispose of the gown.

Hand hygiene is crucial for healthcare providers. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60-95% alcohol or wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Visibly stained hands should be washed with soap and water before using a hand sanitizer.

Distinguishing Clean and Sterile Medical Gowns

Medical gowns come in two primary types: clean and sterile.

1. Clean gowns are suited for less invasive procedures.
2. Sterile gowns are used for more serious or invasive operations.

Designed to protect against blood, body fluids, and other infectious materials, sterile gowns are often made of disposable material like paper or plastic and are typically blue or green in color.

Clean gowns may not be disposable and can be composed of various materials, such as cotton or polyester. While offering some protection, they are less effective than sterile gowns in preventing infection transmission.

Choosing the Correct Isolation Gown for COVID-19 Prevention

According to the CDC's COVID-19 guidelines, selecting the right isolation gown depends on the required protection level for the situation.

Patient Use

For patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, use non-sterile disposable patient isolation gowns for routine care in healthcare settings.

For Medical Professionals

Medical professionals facing low or minimal bodily fluid exposure should use gowns offering minimal to low-risk levels (ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 1 or Level 2).

For higher risk scenarios needing extensive critical zones, choose isolation gowns with moderate to high barrier protection (ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 3 or Level 4).

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

When purchasing isolation gowns, vendors might use various product names (e.g., patient gown, nursing gown, procedural gown, non-surgical gown, etc.). It's essential to consider the product's function, intended use, and protection level. Carefully review descriptions and packaging to select the right isolation gown.

The product label is more critical than the product name.

Contact Information

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