The Difference in Hospital Gown Protection Levels

The Difference in Hospital Gown Protection Levels

Jason Jason
3 minute read

Hospital gowns come in a variety of protections levels, from the paper thin, barely there gowns to the full body armor hospital gowns. The paper-thin hospital gowns are for those who really don't care if their backside is showing, or for those who are in and out of the hospital so frequently they've lost count. The full body armor hospital gowns are for those who have a severe case of modesty, or for those who are staying in the hospital for an extended period of time and want to avoid as many hospital-acquired diseases as possible. There are also hospital gowns that fall somewhere in between these two extremes. These hospital gowns are for those who want a little bit of protection, but don't want to be completely covered up. No matter what your hospital gown protection level preference is, there's a hospital gown out there that's perfect for you. In this blog post we'll examine the Difference in Hospital Gown Protection Levels.

Here are the different hospital gown protection levels explained. Please keep in mind than none of the AAMI Ratings specify the type of gown by type of procedure. Each facility is ultimately responsible for choosing the right gown for the procedure for its healthcare staff.

AAMI Ratings for different levels of protection:

Level 1: Minimal Fluid Barrier Protection – Used for daily patient care, when there is little to no risk of fluid exposure. Generally, not used in the OR. Example: Please see our HACCP LAB COAT or our Level I Isolation Gowns.

Level 2: Minimal to Low Fluid Barrier Protection – Used when there’s only a slight risk of fluid exposure, for minimally invasive procedures. Shop for Level II Hospital Gowns

Hospital Gown - Isolation Gown

Level 3: Moderate Fluid Barrier Protection – Used for the widest range of surgical procedures, where the risk of fluid exposure is moderate.

Level 4: Highest Fluid and Microbial Barrier Protection – Provides protection against blood-borne pathogens in critical zones; used for long, fluid-intensive procedures. (This Level was strengthened by the FDA in 2016 and requires documentation of additional testing [ASTM 1671]2 on the part of gown manufacturers.)

When most people think of hospital gowns, they envision the standard-issue, flimsy items that offer little in the way of coverage or warmth. However, hospital gowns actually come in a variety of different styles, each designed to meet specific needs. For example, some gowns are made from fire-resistant fabric and are meant to be worn by patients who are at risk for sparks or flames. Others are made from a special material that helps to prevent the spread of infection. And still others are simply designed to be more comfortable and attractive than the standard hospital gown. No matter what the purpose, hospital gowns play an important role in protecting patients and staff alike.

If you need assistance call Direct Textile Store and our customer service department will be happy to help you select the best hospital or patient gown for your needs.

Direct Textile Store ships to all US states, including Alaska and Hawaii, US Territories, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

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