Frequently Asked Questions

Surgical gowns are specialized garments worn by healthcare professionals during medical procedures to maintain a sterile environment and prevent contamination. These gowns are typically made from fabric that is fluid-resistant or impermeable, protecting both the wearer and the patient from exposure to potentially infectious materials. Surgical gowns are designed to cover the torso, arms, and sometimes the legs of the wearer, providing a barrier against blood, bodily fluids, and other contaminants. They are essential in surgical and other sterile procedures where maintaining a sterile field is crucial to prevent surgical site infections and ensure patient safety. Surgical gowns come in various types and levels of protection, depending on the specific requirements of the procedure and the level of risk involved. They are an integral part of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare settings to uphold rigorous standards of infection control and hygiene.

Surgical gowns are categorized into different levels based on their intended level of barrier protection and suitability for various medical procedures. According to the standards set by organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), there are four main levels of surgical gowns. AAMI Level 1 gowns provide the minimal level of protection and are typically used for basic care and standard isolation procedures where there is minimal risk of fluid exposure. Level 2 gowns offer a higher level of protection suitable for low-risk procedures with light to moderate fluid exposure, such as suturing. Moving up, AAMI Level 3 gowns provide moderate to high protection, ideal for moderate-risk procedures involving moderate fluid exposure, such as orthopedic surgeries. Finally, AAMI Level 4 gowns offer the highest level of protection, designed for high-risk procedures with intense fluid exposure, like trauma surgeries. Each level of gown undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets specific criteria for resistance to fluid penetration, strength of seams, and microbial penetration resistance. Healthcare facilities carefully select the appropriate gown level based on the procedure's requirements and the potential risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and pathogens, ensuring optimal safety for healthcare workers and patients alike.

In dentistry, the standard surgical gown used typically aligns with AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) Level 2 or Level 3 gowns. These gowns provide a moderate to high level of protection against fluids and are suitable for procedures that involve moderate fluid exposure, such as oral surgeries, periodontal procedures, and other dental surgeries. AAMI Level 2 gowns offer adequate protection for low to moderate-risk procedures, while AAMI Level 3 gowns provide increased protection for procedures involving moderate to high-risk fluid exposure. The choice of gown level depends on the specific nature of the dental procedure and the anticipated level of exposure to blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. Dental practices prioritize using surgical gowns that meet these standards to maintain hygiene, protect both dental professionals and patients, and comply with infection control protocols.

Folding a surgical gown correctly is essential for maintaining its sterility and ensuring it is readily accessible for medical or dental procedures. Begin by laying the gown flat on a clean surface with the inside facing up and the sleeves extended. Fold each sleeve inward towards the center of the gown so that the cuffs meet or overlap. Next, fold one side of the gown lengthwise towards the center, then fold the opposite side over it, creating a folded gown that is in thirds lengthwise. Fold the gown in half from the bottom edge up towards the neckline, making sure any ties or fasteners are tucked inside to prevent snagging or unfolding. Optionally, you can fold the gown in half again for more compact storage, maintaining its sterility throughout the folding process. This methodical approach ensures the surgical gown remains clean and easy to handle until it is needed for use in medical or dental settings.

Putting on a surgical gown correctly is critical to maintaining sterility and ensuring effective protection during medical or dental procedures. Begin by ensuring your hands are clean and dry before handling the gown. Identify the back opening of the gown and distinguish between the front and back sides. Hold the gown by the inside edges or shoulders to avoid touching the outside surface. Insert your arms into the sleeves, guiding them through while keeping your hands inside the gown to prevent contamination. If available, have an assistant help secure the gown by reaching around to tie or fasten the neck and waist closures securely. Start by securing the neck closure, either tying the neck ties or fastening hook-and- loop closures, ensuring a snug fit without restricting movement. Then, secure the waist closure, adjusting ties or fastening a belt-like closure to ensure comfort and coverage. Adjust the gown to smooth out any wrinkles or folds, ensuring complete coverage of your torso, arms, and wrists. Finally, perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water to complete the process and maintain a sterile environment. This methodical approach ensures the surgical gown provides optimal protection against contaminants during medical or dental procedures.