Medical Isolation Gowns

In today’s healthcare world, everyone is exposed to other people at some point. This can be at home when family members visit or at work with co-workers. The only difference is that now we are talking about healthcare situations as opposed to everyday social interactions. In hospitals, doctors, nurses and other medical staff may need to interact with other people who are not wearing a face mask or protective gown. These situations can present risks to the individual wearing them as well as those around them. You will find out what isolation gowns are and why they need to be worn in certain situations. You will learn how to put on an isolation gown safely and effectively along with the different types of isolation gowns available for purchase as well as for use in hospitals and clinics.

What are isolation gowns?

If you have ever been to a hospital or clinic, you have probably seen patients in isolation gowns. These gowns are worn during certain infectious diseases, surgeries and certain types of chemotherapy treatment to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens or germs. Certain types of infections can spread through tiny cuts and abrasions. If a person is not wearing gloves or a face mask, these cuts can become infected much faster. There are also other reasons why people may wear isolation gowns in hospitals. Infection control measures, like gowns, masks and gloves, are important in hospitals to protect patients’ health and wellbeing. Doctors and nurses may also wear gowns and masks to prevent spreading germs to others.

Types of Isolation Gowns and Their Uses

There are different types of isolation gowns with different levels of sterility. One type is disposable and others are reusable. The levels of sterility determine how long they can be used before they need to be thrown away. The more sterile they are, the longer they can be used. Disposable isolation gowns are used only once and then thrown away. These types of gowns are less expensive and can be used for short-term use. Longer-term reusable isolation gowns are a bit more expensive. They can be used for longer periods and are typically more sterile than disposable gowns. Isolation gowns can also be used in combination with other patient care measures like gloves or face masks.

How to Wear Isolation Gowns?

Before you put on your isolation gown, be sure to wash your hands and your face. There are a few ways to put on an isolation gown safely and effectively. 

- Start with clean hands and a face mask. 

- Next, put on the gown over your head and shoulders. 

- Then, roll the bottom of the gown over your feet. 

- Finally, secure the gown with the tie at the back.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use of Isolation Gowns

- Always wash your hands before putting on an isolation gown. If you must touch your face, do so with clean hands.

- Wearing gloves and a face mask can help protect you from pathogens that may be on your hands.

- When changing out your gloves, gown or face mask, always change gloves, gowns and face masks from the same set. This will help to reduce the risk of contaminating other items.

- Do not wear the same set of gowns for more than 24 hours.

- For short-term use, disposable gowns last 5 to 10 days. Longer-term reusable gowns may last more than 1 week.

- Make sure that your gown is clean before donning it for the second time.

- Do not use an old isolation gown as a towel because it may be contaminated with pathogens.

- When sitting in an open chair or bed, always rest your gown on the edge of the seat so that it does not touch potentially contaminated surfaces.

- When disposing of your isolation gown, always put it in the garbage bag so that it does not contaminate other items.

Final Words

Isolation gowns are important equipment in hospitals and clinics. Their main purpose is to prevent the spread of certain infections when dealing with patients who may have contaminated wounds on their skin. They can also be worn by health care professionals to protect themselves from pathogens that may be on their hands. When wearing an isolation gown, remember that it is important to wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face. This will help to prevent the spread of germs. When possible, sitting on an edge of a seat while sitting in a chair or bed will help to keep your gown away from potentially contaminated surfaces.