Where can I buy disposable gowns?
Disposable gowns are an essential part of medical equipment and are used daily and in large quantities. Thus, it is important that you choose the right ones for your medical office. With this in mind, in this article we will tell you everything you need to know about disposable gowns to buy the best ones for your needs.
What are disposable isolation gowns and what is their importance
Disposable gowns are a medical device that is part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to European Union guidelines, which have been adopted by many countries around the world, including Canada.
Their purpose and importance lie in the fact that they protect both health professionals and patients and visitors from possible infectious fluids, blood or other liquids. They also work in the opposite direction, i.e., to prevent the wearer from transmitting fluids to another person.
Types of disposable gowns
Protective gowns are divided according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) into four different levels.
First level disposable gowns are used when there is a very minor medical risk. It is usually the one offered to visitors when they go to see their loved ones. It is also common for health care employees to use this type of isolation gown when providing basic care.
Second level disposable gowns are the most commonly used. These protective gowns are used in low-risk activities that nevertheless present a higher possibility of contamination. For example, when performing sutures, when entering the Intensive Care Unit or a laboratory, or when drawing blood.
Third level disposable isolation gowns are used in moderate risk environments. Specifically, where there is high fluid interaction, such as when inserting an intravenous line, working in the trauma area or in advanced fluid removal procedures.
Finally, there are the level four disposable gowns that should be used in the most extreme cases. These are indicated for surgeons or when the patient is suspected of suffering from a fluid-borne infectious disease.
Approved materials for disposable gowns
Many people ask “What fabric are disposable hospital gowns made of?”, so here are a couple of factors to keep in mind when it comes to the materials of asylums gowns.
When purchasing your disposable gowns in Canada, you should ensure that they have been manufactured under the standards of AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) who are responsible for setting international standards for the manufacture and use of medical devices.
With these regulations in mind, one of the most commonly used materials for manufacturing medical gowns in Canada is Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond (SMS).
SMS is a multi-layered polypropylene fabric that is used not only in isolation gowns but also in face masks. This material is non-woven as each layer is fused together through a lamination process.
It is extremely popular for making disposable gowns because it is nonwoven and is made of propylene. These factors allow hospital gowns to be highly insulating while being tear resistant.
Another frequently used fabric for disposable gowns in Canada is polyethylene coated polypropylene (PPSB and PE) where a layer of polyethylene is added to the aforementioned material. This allows it to be resistant to liquids and solids and has even been used to protect the individual from liquid chemicals.
How to use disposable gowns?
Healthcare professionals are instructed on how to properly use medical gowns. However, it is also important to know how to explain their proper use to patients and visitors.
Hospital gowns should be worn before you are admitted to see the patient, whether you are a healthcare professional or a loved one. It is very important to tie the collar and waist properly so that the isolation gown does not come loose.
When the activity is finished, you should remove your gown. It is key that you avoid contaminating your clothing or skin and remove it slowly.
Medical centers have garbage cans for toxic waste and that is where used protective gowns should be placed.
In principle, unless there is a health crisis that represents a shortage of resources, disposable gowns are just that: disposable. So once used, they should be thrown away.
Where to buy your disposable gowns in Canada?
In this opportunity, we recommend a website where you can order hospital gowns online which follow AAMI standards: Divocco Medical.
Divocco Medical was founded in 2019 by Pascal Laferrière-Langlois, a medical professional who ensures that the disposable gowns they offer are of the highest quality, while also being comfortable for everyday use.
On their website, you can register for continuous purchasing so you never have to worry about running out of isolation gowns in your clinic. Likewise, you can negotiate deals for your medical center with their sales department.
We hope you find this article useful in providing your employees, patients and visitors with the best possible protection. For more information on the use of medical gowns in Canada you can visit this resource from Public Health Ontario.
