The relationship of selected fabric characteristics and the barrier effectiveness of surgical gown fabrics (original) (raw)
Related papers
The Journal of The Textile Institute, 2015
Surgical gowns are the shielding cloths worn by the surgical team throughout a surgery to save them from blood pathogens of the patient being operated, and to avoid bacterial infections. Barrier effectiveness of a fabric depends upon the liquid penetration resistance and pathogen resistance of the fabric. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of different weave structures and fabric thread densities on the barrier effectiveness of the woven surgical gowns. Twelve fabric samples were produced using three different weave structures, i.e. 1/1 plain, 2/2 z-twill, and 3/3 z-twill, and four different fabric constructions and then completed with a water repellent finish. Water repellency spray test and air permeability test were conducted on each of the 12 woven samples. The results of fabric samples were analyzed in Minitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R 2 values) of the regression equations show good prediction ability of the developed statistical models. The findings of the study may be helpful in deciding appropriate manufacturing specifications of surgical gowns to attain maximum barrier effectiveness.
Strike-through of Moist Contamination by Woven and Nonwoven Surgical Materials
Annals of Surgery, 1975
A test is described which correlates the stress of stretching surgical gown and drape material with moist bacterial strike-through. By application of this test to a number of woven and nonwoven surgical gown and drape materials, it was found that not all of these materials, either woven or nonwoven, are impermeable to moist contamination for equal periods of time. Nonwoven disposable materials now in use range from those which remain impermeable to moist bacterial permeation through all tests while some remain impermeable for limited periods of time, and others almost immediately permeable to moist bacterial penetration. The same situation holds for woven materials. Under conditions of our test, Quarpel treated Pima tight-woven cotton cloth was impermeable to moist bacterial strike-through, through up to 75 washing and sterilizing cycfings, while ordinary linen and untreated Pima cloth permitted bacterial permeation almost immediately. These results have significance in lengthy wet surgical operations.
Evaluation of Fabrics' Resistance for Surgical Aprons After Washing-Sterilization Process
Brazilian Journal of Development, 2020
A surgical center is a unique place for biochemical risks, specially concerning surgical aprons, as they tend to be soaked with fluids from both patients and its users during procedures. This study evaluates how the common fabrics used as raw material in reusable surgical aprons behave after washing-sterilization process. In order to perform such analysis, this study uses three types of fabrics: 100% cotton, mixed (67% cotton and 33% polyester), and 100% polyester. The variables "grammage," "pore area," and "bacterial growth" were evaluated in three different moments. The variables "grammage" and "pore area", presented less wear out in cotton fabric. However, it is noticed that textiles with natural fibers (e.g., cotton or mixed) had a higher incidence of bacterial growth. Even though cotton fabric presented one of the highest incidences of bacterial infestation, it was chosen as the best raw material for surgical aprons. To solve this problem mentioned above, we suggested using antibacterial finishes, which are common while manufacturing reusable surgical aprons.
A New Approach to Surgical Gowns
Healthcare Access, 2022
Emerging diseases such as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, SARS, and most recently the Covid 19 epidemic have increased the importance of hygiene in the world, bringing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) to the forefront. An important part of PPE in healthcare is surgical gowns, which are worn by doctors and nurses in the operating room to serve a dual function of preventing the transmission of microorganisms and body fluids from surgical staff to patients and from patients to staff. This chapter presents the history and importance of surgical gowns. The factors to be considered in the selection of surgical gowns are discussed. The model characteristics and fabric properties of surgical gowns currently on the market and the environmental impact of reusable and disposable gowns are outlined. Finally, shortcomings in available gowns are discussed, a new knitted surgical gown design is introduced, and recommendations are given in the final section. The c...
Durability of fluoropolymer and antibacterial finishes on woven surgical gown fabrics
Fashion and Textiles, 2014
Commercially available polyester, polyester-cotton and cotton plain woven fabrics of 150 g/m 2 weight and cotton woven fabric samples of 200 g/m 2 weight with plain, twill and satin weave were studied for their suitability as surgical gowns. Water repellent and anti bacterial finishes were applied in single bath using pad-dry-cure method with four concentration levels of these finishes. Liquid barrier properties of samples were analyzed by water impact penetration and hydrostatic pressure test. Parallel streak method was used to measure the antibacterial activity on the fabric samples with Staphylococcus aureus. The fabric samples were also analyzed for air permeability and stiffness. Optimum concentration level of fluoropolymer and antibacterial finishes for achieving desired liquid barrier and antibacterial properties were determined for each fabric samples. Fabric samples were subjected to repeated laundering cycles to evaluate the durability of finishes. It was observed that polyester fabric samples and 200 g/m 2 cotton twill woven fabrics show highest level of liquid barrier protection of Level 2 according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standards, with 4% and 7% fluoropolymers. The fabrics maintain their barrier protection upto 20 laundering cycles, whereas 100% cotton fabric samples show minimal liquid barrier protection and do not provide Level 2 protection even at 4% and 7% fluoropolymer.
American Journal of Infection Control, 1998
Background: Hospital gowns protect patients and health care workers from exposure to blood and other infectious materials. Previous studies have shown that certain gowns do allow blood strike-through. Because of worldwide increases in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections, especially with methicillin-resistant strains, there is now increased concern regarding bacterial transmission through gowns. Methods: This study evaluated six gown types used in hospitals (one disposable cover or isolation gown, three disposable operating room gowns, and new and washed reusable operating room gowns). Gowns were evaluated for dry spore and S. aureus filtration efficiencies and were subjected to 20 time-pressure combinations with methicillin-resistant S. aureus-spiked blood (104/ml) to evaluate blood strike-through and passage of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Results: Blood strike-through was lowest with disposable operating room gowns 1 and 2 (polypropylene). Disposable operating room gown 3 (polyester-wood pulp) showed the greatest strike-through and overall passage of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Operating room gowns 1 and 2 showed minimal bacterial passage, whereas the disposable cover (polypropylene) only allowed passage at pressures greater than I psi. Bacterial filtration efficiency testing showed operating room gowns 1 and 2 to be the most protective; operating room gown 3 and both reusable (cotton) gowns were the least protective. Dry spore passage was greatest for reusable gowns. Conclusion: Different hospital gowns offer varying degrees of protection against fluid strike-through or bacterial passage. Gowns therefore should be chosen according to the task performed and conditions encountered. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1998;26:85-93) Hospital gowns (isolation and cover or operating room gowns) have traditionally been worn
2009
Surgical scrubs are made with both fabric and non-fabric material. The study aimed to observe whether there is scientific evidence, according to the systematic review, that supports the practice of wearing scrubs in surgeries, according to the material they are made of. Basic intervention studies were considered, which investigated contamination and/or infection of the surgical site with the use of either reusable or single-use surgical scrubs, using people submitted to surgeries as the study population, either in real or simulated situations, at any period, without any language limitations. The strategy of searching electronic databases was used to find studies. With this, difficulties in isolating the object of intervention from countless other factors that can interfere in the outcomes were identified in studies of this type. Two studies (E1 and E2) showed strong evidence for the recommendation. In conclusion, there is no difference in contamination and infection of the surgical ...
Patient Safety in Surgery, 2012
Background: To prevent surgical site infection it is desirable to keep bacterial counts low in the operating room air during orthopaedic surgery, especially prosthetic surgery. As the air-borne bacteria are mainly derived from the skin flora of the personnel present in the operating room a reduction could be achieved by using a clothing system for staff made from a material fulfilling the requirements in the standard EN 13795. The aim of this study was to compare the protective capacity between three clothing systems made of different materialsone mixed cotton/ polyester and two polyesters -which all had passed the tests according to EN 13795.
The Professional Medical Journal
Background: Around the world, majority of the public and private sector hospitals are using reusable gowns and scrubs whereas only a few hospitals are using disposable ones. Protection during surgery is very important both for the patient as well as for the surgeon. The reasons are not only hygienic but also creating a barrier so that the bacteria and the viruses do not transfer from patient to doctor and vice versa. The surgical gowns have been in use for many decades. With the advancements in the field of manufacturing (weaving and finishing), the quality of gowns has been improving over the period of time. In Pakistan, there is no awareness yet regarding the construction of surgical apparels viz. surgical gowns and scrubs so no standards are being followed as such during the manufacturing (weaving & finishing) of surgical apparels. For effective barrier function of surgical gowns and scrubs, it is necessary for them to comply with certain standards in terms of physical characteri...