Gowns and apparel

ANSI/AAMI PB70 sorts protective apparel into four levels. Level 1 suits basic care and standard isolation, Level 2 blood draws and the intensive care unit, Level 3 arterial draws, IV insertion and trauma, Level 4 long fluid-intense procedures and surgery. The level a task calls for is your facility's decision, and each listing states the level as labeled.

A surgical gown is sterile, labeled as a surgical gown and 510(k) cleared, with critical zones on the front. A surgical isolation gown is also 510(k) cleared, with critical zones everywhere except bindings, cuffs and hems. A non-surgical isolation gown is Class I and exempt, for low and minimal risk isolation.

For isolation gowns the whole gown except bindings, cuffs and hems is a critical zone, so seams and back count. Each listing states the critical zone coverage and the seam construction where the manufacturer states them.

Nursing homes stock gowns at the door of every room on Enhanced Barrier Precautions, for high-contact care. No particular barrier level is mandated, so Level 1 and Level 2 gowns and film gowns with thumb loops carry most of that volume. The stocking guide gives a planning method.

Oncology and pharmacy buy chemotherapy gowns as a separate item under USP chapter 800. They are tested for resistance to hazardous drugs, with the drugs tested and breakthrough times stated on the quote.

Gowns come universal, large, XL and 2XL, with ties, hook-and-loop or over-the-head closures and knit, elastic or thumb-loop cuffs. Ten per bag and 50 or 100 per case are typical. Each listing shows the configuration and the count per case.