Everything You Need to Know About Surgical Gowns: Levels, Sterilization, Expiry, and Materials

Surgical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) used to maintain sterile conditions and protect healthcare professionals and patients from infections during medical procedures. In the context of hospital apparels, understanding the different levels of surgical gowns, their sterilization processes, expiration dates, and materials is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and safety. This blog covers everything you need to know about surgical gowns, including Level 3 gowns, sterilization methods, expiry considerations, and material types.

What is a Level 3 Surgical Gown?

AAMI Level 3 surgical gowns offer a high level of protection against liquid penetration and are used in situations where there is a moderate to high risk of exposure to bodily fluids and contaminants.

Key Features of Level 3 Surgical Gowns:

• Barrier Protection: These gowns are designed to provide an enhanced barrier against hazardous liquids and workplace hazards. They are suitable for procedures involving moderate fluid exposure and provide a reliable shield against potential contaminants.
• Ideal Use: Level 3 gowns are commonly used in medical settings for surgical procedures, as well as in hazardous industrial environments where there is a risk of exposure to harmful substances. They are a crucial part of PPE in various healthcare and industrial applications.
• Design: Typically made from advanced, fluid-resistant materials, Level 3 gowns ensure that healthcare workers remain protected from potential splashes and spills during procedures.

Do Surgical Gowns Expire?

Surgical gowns, particularly disposable ones, may have an expiration date specified by the manufacturer. This date is crucial for ensuring that the gown maintains its intended level of protection.

Factors Affecting Expiry:

• Material Composition: The longevity and effectiveness of a surgical gown can be affected by the materials used in its construction. Materials that degrade over time may affect the gown’s barrier properties.
• Sterilization Method: The method used for sterilizing the gown (e.g., autoclaving, ethylene oxide) can impact its shelf life. Proper sterilization ensures that the gown is free from microorganisms before use.
• Storage Conditions: The conditions under which surgical gowns are stored—such as exposure to light, temperature, and humidity—can influence their durability and effectiveness. Gowns should be kept in controlled environments to maintain their integrity.
• Regulatory Requirements: Regulatory guidelines may dictate the shelf life of surgical gowns to ensure they meet safety and efficacy standards throughout their use.

While disposable surgical gowns typically have an expiration date, their significance depends on factors like material composition, sterilization, storage, and regulatory standards. It is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the gowns provide adequate protection.

How to Sterilize a Surgical Gown

Sterilization is a critical process for ensuring that surgical gowns are free from microorganisms and safe for use in medical settings.

Common Sterilization Techniques:

• Autoclaving: This method uses steam under high pressure to kill microorganisms. Surgical gowns are placed in an autoclave where they are exposed to steam at high temperatures. There are two types of autoclaving:
  • Dry Heat: Uses hot air to sterilize the gowns. This method is suitable for materials that can withstand higher temperatures without damage.
  • Wet Heat (Steam Sterilization): Uses saturated steam at high temperatures. This is the most common method for sterilizing surgical gowns and is effective for most materials used in gown production.
• Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilization: This method involves exposing the gowns to ethylene oxide gas, which effectively kills microorganisms. It is suitable for heat-sensitive materials but requires careful handling and aeration after the process.

Process Overview:

• Pre-Sterilization: Gowns are inspected for any defects and properly folded or packed before sterilization.
• Sterilization: Gowns are sterilized using one of the methods described above.
• Packaging: Post-sterilization, gowns are vacuum-packaged or wrapped in sterile conditions to maintain their sterility until use

What Material is a Surgical Gown Made Of?

Surgical gowns are constructed from various materials, each offering different levels of protection, comfort, and durability.

Common Materials Include:

• Polypropylene (PP): A lightweight, non-woven material commonly used for its barrier properties and cost-effectiveness. It provides basic protection and is often used in disposable gowns.
• Polyethylene (PE): Known for its waterproof qualities, PE is used to create gowns that offer high fluid resistance. It is often used in combination with other materials to enhance protection.
• Polyester (PET): A durable, woven fabric that is often used in reusable gowns. Polyester provides strength and resistance to tears and punctures.
• Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS): A multi-layered fabric that combines spunbond and meltblown materials. SMS gowns offer a high level of fluid resistance and breathability, making them suitable for both disposable and reusable gowns.

Conclusion

Surgical gowns are a vital component of healthcare PPE, designed to protect against infection and contamination. Understanding the different levels of surgical gowns, their sterilization processes, expiration considerations, and material types is essential for ensuring their effectiveness and safety. By following proper protocols for gown use and maintenance, healthcare professionals can safeguard their well-being and maintain a sterile environment during medical procedures.

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