How to Choose the Right Isolation Gown for Your Business
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of isolation gowns peaked in the United States. However, just like face masks or gloves, not all isolation gowns are the same. They are made of different fabrics, offer different protection levels, and may have different standards.
What may work for one line of work may not work for yours. It’s important to understand the differences in gowns before making your purchase, in order to keep your staff or guests as safe as possible.
What Are Isolation Gowns?
You may have heard of surgical gowns, but isolation gowns fall under a different category. While surgical gowns are typically worn during surgical procedures (as stated), isolation gowns are Class 1 devices and are worn for protection during non-surgical procedures or during isolation (also as stated). Isolation gowns are many times referred to as non-surgical gowns.
Isolation gowns are a type of PPE, personal protective equipment, that is made to provide protection against infectious droplets, fluid penetration, and solids. These types of liquids can also include blood or bodily fluids.
Isolation gowns offer two-way protection. Not only do they protect the wearer, but they also protect the patient or person on the other side. Check out the different gown types below.
The Different Levels of Isolation Gowns (1-4)
The different levels of isolation gowns are based on the risk level for each use.
Level 1: Minimal Risk
- This is the lowest level of the gown and is typically used during basic care, standard isolation, cover gowns for visitors, or in a standard medical unit.
Level 2: Low Risk
- This level is most commonly used for standard protocols or minimal procedures like blood draws, suturing, or use in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or pathology lab.
Level 3: Moderate Risk
- Level 3 is the most common gown used. However, it also comes with its own recommendations for usage.
Level 4: High Risk
- This is the highest level of isolation gowns and will typically be worn during long procedures or if around the possibility of fluid. This is commonly used for surgeries, when pathogen resistance is needed or if infectious non-airborne diseases are suspected.
Three Things to Consider
- Purpose
What purpose will your isolation gown serve? You do not need to go with the most expensive or highest-level gown in order to have peace of mind. All of our isolation gowns have been quality tested at each level. For example: If you are working in a senior care facility during COVID-19, a level 1 gown should be sufficient because it is not likely you will need a gown to protect from high fluid resistance.
- Material
Isolation gowns can be made from a variety of different fabrics or materials. The most common materials used are cotton, synthetic material like polyester (reusable gowns), and polyethylene or polypropylene (disposable isolation gowns). The best gown material against COVID-19 would be a synthetic material, as they prove to be better at blocking fluids.
- Sterile or Clean
Fact: Sterile and clean are not interchangeable terms when it comes to isolation gowns. A clean isolation gown can be worn when around Coronavirus or COVID-19 because it is used for isolation purposes. If you will be involved in an invasive procedure, you would opt for a sterile gown.
Buy Wholesale Isolation Gowns Online
At DEFEN95, we are committed to providing our clients with affordable, high-quality isolation gown online with seamless service. Work one-on-one with one of our representatives to help find you exactly what you’re looking for. Fill out our contact form, give us a call, or browse the website for more information!