Choosing the Right Surgical Gown: A Buyer’s Guide for Healthcare Facil

In any healthcare setting, the safety and protection of both patients and medical professionals are paramount. Among the most essential pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) is the surgical gown—a frontline barrier against infectious agents. However, not all gowns are created equal, and choosing the right one involves more than just ticking off a box on a checklist. From material selection to regulatory compliance and cost-effectiveness, surgical gown procurement requires a strategic, informed approach.

This guide walks healthcare decision-makers through the critical factors in selecting the right surgical gown for their facilities, ensuring the highest levels of safety, functionality, and value.

Why Surgical Gowns Matter

Surgical gowns serve two key functions:

Protect the patient from contamination from microorganisms, fluids, and particulates shed by surgical staff.
Protect the healthcare worker from exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and potentially infectious materials.

A poorly chosen gown can compromise these protective functions, increasing the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), occupational exposure, and even compliance violations. In high-risk settings, the gown can literally be the last line of defense.

1. Understanding Gown Classification and Standards

AAMI Levels (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation)

A key reference point in gown selection is the AAMI PB70 classification system, which categorizes gowns by their level of barrier protection:

Level 1: Minimal risk (e.g., basic care, standard isolation)
Level 2: Low risk (e.g., blood draw, suturing)
Level 3: Moderate risk (e.g., arterial blood draw, ER trauma)
Level 4: High risk (e.g., long, fluid-intensive procedures)

Level 4 gowns, in particular, must pass stringent tests for blood and viral penetration, making them essential for surgeries with high fluid exposure.

FDA Regulations

In the U.S., surgical gowns are classified as Class II medical devices, and must comply with FDA regulations. Gowns labeled as “surgical” must provide a sterile barrier and meet certain performance criteria. Always ensure the product is cleared by the FDA and includes documentation of test results.

2. Fabric and Material Composition

The material composition of a surgical gown affects its protective capability, breathability, comfort, and environmental impact.

Types of Materials

Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond (SMS): A tri-layer nonwoven material that balances protection and comfort. Commonly used for Level 2 and 3 gowns.
Poly-reinforced gowns: Include a layer of polyethylene or polyurethane for added protection. Often used in critical zones such as the chest and sleeves.
Microporous film laminates: Offer high fluid resistance and are typically used in Level 4 gowns.
Reusable textiles: Usually made from tightly woven polyester or polyester-cotton blends. These require laundering and sterilization but reduce environmental waste.

Key Considerations

Fluid resistance: High fluid resistance is critical for high-risk procedures.
Breathability: Especially for long surgeries, comfort can affect performance.
Lint-free construction: Reduces the risk of airborne contamination in sterile fields.

3. Gown Design Features

A gown’s protective value is enhanced or limited by its design. Key design features to evaluate include:

Critical Zones

According to AAMI PB70, critical zones include:

The front of the gown from chest to knees
Sleeves from cuff to above the elbow

Ensure that the gown offers the appropriate level of protection in these zones based on the intended surgical procedure.

Sleeve Style and Cuffs

Set-in sleeves allow for better range of motion.
Knit cuffs help secure the gown under gloves and reduce the risk of skin exposure.
Thumb loop cuffs can prevent sleeve slippage during movement.

Closure Type

Hook-and-loop (Velcro): Adjustable and secure but may wear over time.
Tape tab ties: Easy to fasten and remove.
Over-the-head designs: Quick to don, often used in emergency scenarios.

Fit and Length

Proper sizing ensures ease of movement and prevents gown compromise during long procedures. Look for multiple size options to accommodate all staff members comfortably.

4. Sterility and Packaging

All surgical gowns must be provided sterile and individually packaged. Key aspects to consider include:

Packaging integrity: Should protect against contamination during storage and transport.
Shelf life: Check expiration dates and storage recommendations.
Double wrapping: Facilitates aseptic presentation in the OR.

Sterility indicators (e.g., color-changing tapes or dots) provide visual assurance that sterilization processes have been effective.

5. Reusables vs. Disposables

Each facility must decide whether to use disposable or reusable surgical gowns based on budget, environmental policy, and laundering capabilities.

Disposable Gowns

Pros:

Convenient
Sterile out-of-the-box
No laundering required

Cons:

Higher long-term costs
Environmental waste

Reusable Gowns

Pros:

Lower cost per use over time
Reduced environmental impact
Comfortable and breathable

Cons:

Requires in-house or contracted laundering and sterilization
May degrade after repeated cycles

Many facilities opt for a hybrid approach, using disposables for high-risk surgeries and reusables for routine procedures.

6. Supplier Evaluation and Cost Considerations

Key Supplier Criteria

Regulatory compliance: Must meet FDA and AAMI standards.
Reliable delivery: Ensure the vendor can provide a consistent supply.
Customer support: Responsive service for emergencies or defects.
Transparency: Full documentation of test results and certifications.

Balancing Cost and Quality

While price is always a concern, cheaper gowns can cost more in the long run if they lead to breaches or require frequent replacement. Evaluate cost over time, including:

Durability
Frequency of use
Waste disposal fees (for disposables)
Laundering and sterilization (for reusables)

7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Healthcare facilities are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Surgical gowns can be a significant source of waste, especially in high-volume ORs.

Tips for Sustainable Purchasing

Opt for recyclable packaging where possible.
Choose gowns from suppliers with environmental certifications (e.g., ISO 14001).
Consider reusable gowns for procedures with minimal fluid exposure.
Implement waste tracking programs to monitor PPE disposal.

8. Staff Training and Proper Use

Even the best gown offers limited protection if used incorrectly. Ensure all surgical staff are trained in:

Proper gowning techniques
Sterile field maintenance
Donning and doffing protocols
Storage and handling of sterile gowns

Regular training updates help prevent complacency and ensure adherence to best practices.

9. Inventory Management

Efficient gown management avoids both shortages and overstocking. Best practices include:

Standardizing gowns by department based on common procedures
Color coding or labeling by AAMI level for quick selection
Tracking usage patterns with inventory software
Establishing emergency stock reserves for pandemics or supply chain disruptions

Working closely with supply chain managers and infection prevention teams ensures responsive, data-driven decision-making.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right surgical gown is about much more than just barrier protection. It involves an intersection of safety, comfort, sustainability, and budget. Healthcare facilities that take a strategic approach to gown selection not only safeguard their patients and staff but also position themselves for operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

By understanding the differences in gown levels, materials, designs, and supplier quality, decision-makers can make informed choices that support their mission of high-quality, safe patient care.

Read more information and insights related to the Surgical Gowns Market.

Choosing the Right Surgical Gown: A Buyer’s Guide for Healthcare Facilities

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