Isolation gowns are now becoming popular among the public. They are part of personal protective equipment (PPE) against COVID-19. The gowns’ purpose is to protect the wearer’s body from liquid splash that could contain infectious agents. Manufacturers of the gowns make them primarily for health workers.
However, in this time of the pandemic, the demand for the gowns from the public is also increasing. That is because the rise of the virus spread is becoming more threatening. It gives people more reasons to find simple alternatives to fight the spread of the virus. Isolation gowns can significantly help protect its wearer.
With the many manufacturers producing isolation gowns, it gets confusing which ones have the best quality. To help you choose the right gown, we will discuss the key factors in selecting the best one for you. So, let’s begin!
What Are the Types of Isolation Gowns?
Before we proceed to the key factors when selecting an isolation gown, let’s know its classifications first. Health experts classify isolation gowns based on their purposes:
Surgical Gowns
A surgical isolation gown is a protective garment for health workers. They use this during surgical procedures to protect both the wearer and the patient. Surgery puts the health worker and patient at a high risk of the transfer of harmful body fluids and microorganisms.
Non-surgical Gowns
This type also protects the wearer and patients from harmful bloody fluids and microorganisms. However, hospitals use this type only in low-risk patient isolation situations. They do not use them during surgeries and other related procedures where there is a high risk of contamination.
What Are the Isolation Gowns’ Standards for Level of Protection?
The FDA requires some standards for the level of protection of isolation gowns. These standards focus on the liquid barrier performance of the gowns in healthcare facilities. The FDA classifies them as follows:
- Level 1 (minimal risk) – Health workers use the isolation gowns for visitor cover, basic care, and standard isolation.
- Level 2 (low risk) – This is when health workers use this type when working in the intensive care unit. They also use it during lab tests and blood draw.
- Level 3 (moderate risk) – This type is ideal for use in the emergency room. The place is where unexpected exposure to harmful body fluids and microorganisms occurs. Health workers also use this type for the arterial blood draw and inserting an intravenous line.
- Level 4 (high risk) – Health workers use this type during intense and long medical procedures. This type is helpful when dealing with non-airborne infectious diseases as well.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Isolation Gown
Now that you know the types and classifications of isolation gowns, it’s time we move on to the key factors.
1. Purpose of Using an Isolation Gown
The first thing you need to consider when choosing an isolation gown is your purpose of using it. If you are frequently visiting the hospital, getting the non-surgical type is ideal. In terms of the level of protection, level 1 is ideal for you.
2. Material and Quality
Manufacturers typically make isolation gowns from cloth or plastic. This is because you can either reuse or throw it away after one usage. If you think you might be wearing the gown more often, getting the reusable one is cost-effective. You can wash it clean every after use. It is also important to check the quality of the gown. This includes making sure manufacturers make it without defects.
One important reminder to remember though is to make sure the company receives returns for defective items. This is especially true if you are purchasing the isolation gowns online. The manufacturer should be responsible for replacing the defective product free of charge.
3. Fit and Comfort
Another thing to consider is the gown should fit you comfortably. It should be of the right size that you can move freely. Make sure the seams of the sleeves feel comfortable on your skin. It is also important to check the loop fasteners are long enough to create a comfortable tie. You might want to check the length of the gown as well. If you don’t feel comfortable with the calf-length ones, you can go for gowns with lengths above the ankle.
4. Manufacturer
The quality of the product reflects on the manufacturer. If the gown is of high quality, most likely, the manufacturer is good. You can check online if there are no available stores for PPE for COVID-19 near you. Some companies have international markets they are serving, so you can get to know them.
One trusted manufacturer you can try, however, is HisoMedical. They produce PPE for COVID-19, and their products are FDA-approved. In terms of isolation gowns, they make flexible and durable products in different sizes. Check out these HisoMedical isolation gowns to learn more!
How to Properly Wear an Isolation Gown
Selecting the right isolation gown for you is one story. Wearing it correctly is another. To help you maximize the benefits of the gown, here are the steps you need to follow when wearing it:
- Shake off the gown first to get rid of dust and other allergens that are already on it.
- Begin wearing it by inserting your one arm into a sleeve of the gown. Do the same for your other arm.
- Position the gown properly on your body. Make sure it covers your neckline properly.
- Adjust the wrists of the sleeves to a comfortable position.
- Once everything is good, make sure the back overlaps correctly.
- Begin tying the gown and start with the back neckline and then the back waist. Make sure the ties feel comfortable for you.
- Try moving your arms and walking around to see if the gown feels comfortable as a whole.
Conclusion
With the key factors in selecting an isolation gown, you will be guided accordingly in getting the right one. Make sure to think about the purpose of using it first, so you know which type to get. The isolation gown is also easy to wear, so you can quickly put it on before entering a healthcare facility. So, purchase your own isolation gown now and increase your protection against COVID-19 infection!
