New requirements for surgical gowns as protective clothing for the medical staff and for the patients

Abstract

The transference of pathogens through body fluids between surgeon team and patient is a frequent cause of infection. The use of protective surgical apparel is essential to create a barrier to microbial transfer. Surgical gowns are protective clothing with a double effect: protection of the clinical staff and protection of the patient. In the market there are two types of surgical protection materials: disposable and reusable, both fulfilling the requirements of EN 13795 2011, which specifies performance requirements and test methods for surgical gowns, drapes and clean air suits. In the present work, new generation textile surgical protection materials have been tested. The materials that have been used for the manufacturing of the gowns were based on trilaminated textiles. These materials allow a multiple use, but are only economically attractive if they can stand a high number of washing/disinfection, drying and sterilizing cycles. Results from the case study show that even after forty reusing cycles, the reusable gowns have still good protection properties. The values in terms of mechanical resistance and water permeability are still much higher than the present requirements of EN 13795. The inquiry made to the medical staff show also a good acceptance of the reusable gowns.