Surgical gowns play a crucial role in protecting healthcare professionals and patients from infectious agents during surgical procedures. A proper surgical gown serves as a barrier to prevent the spread of infectious agents and maintains the hygiene of the surgical environment. Hence, it is essential to understand the characteristics of a good surgical gown.
Comfort
One of the most significant concerns of healthcare professionals who wear surgical gowns for doctors for long hours is their comfort. A good surgical gown must provide comfortable fittings that do not restrict free movement to perform surgical procedures. Gowns made of soft and breathable fabrics offer comfort and prevent overheating. Also, it is essential to have proper ventilation to reduce perspiration and skin irritation.
Safety
Surgical gowns are a crucial barrier to prevent cross contamination. A good surgical gown must provide full-body protection with no direct exposure to the skin by covering the neck, arms, chest, and legs. The gowns should meet the standards for liquid and microbial penetration to ensure maximum safety. The material used to make the gown must be reliable, durable, and resistant to tearing.
Fluid Resistance
Surgical procedures often involve exposure to bodily fluids, such as blood and secretion. Hence, a good surgical gown must be fluid resistant. Fluid resistance prevents the penetration of bodily fluids into the gown and avoids the spread of infection. Additionally, fluid-resistant gowns have an added advantage of maintaining the gown’s strength, even after prolonged exposure to fluids.
Size and Coverage
A well-sized surgical gown provides maximum protection and comfort. Therefore, it is crucial to have a wide variety of sizes to fit all body types. The gown must also fit correctly to prevent any exposed gaps or areas. Areas of particular concern include the neck, chest, wrists, and arms. Proper coverage and fit also allow for free movement and reduce the risk of contamination.
Easy to Use and Dispose of
A good surgical gown must be easy to use and disposable. Healthcare professionals have a busy schedule, and a complicated surgical gown will only add to their stress. Easy to wear surgical gowns disposable saves time, reducing the burden on medical personnel. Furthermore, a quick disposal system and instructions on how to dispose of the gowns will reduce the risk of cross-contamination and promote hygiene.
Design
A good surgical gown usually has long sleeves with elastic cuffs and they maintain the sterile barrier between the surgical field and the surgeon’s clothes or exposed arms. They are made from either impermeable material or a water-resistant, tightly woven fabric, and have been shown to decrease bacterial counts in the operating room.
Surgical gowns are essential to protect healthcare professionals and patients from infection. A good surgical gown must have features such as comfort, safety, fluid resistance, proper coverage, ease of use and disposal, and reusability. It is essential to understand the characteristics of a good surgical gown to promote best practices, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and maintain a hygienic surgical environment.
