Reusable Alternatives to Disposable Isolation Gowns

The threat of emerging infectious diseases, pandemic influenza, and viral respiratory illnesses has highlighted the need to protect healthcare workers and patients. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical safeguard in protecting against infectious agents, especially blood borne pathogens. PPE includes gowns, lab coats, gloves, eye protection, masks / face shields and head / shoe coverings. OSHA mandates using precautions such as PPE during the treatment of patients to prevent the passage of microbes and infectious agents, especially blood borne pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Guideline for Isolation Precautions, isolation gowns should be worn to protect healthcare workers’ arms and exposed body areas during procedures and patient-care activities when anticipating contact with clothing, blood, bodily fluids, secretions and excretions. Protective gowns are identified as the second-most-used piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare, second to gloves. 

Isolation gowns offer varying resistance to blood and other bodily fluids depending on the type of the material, its impermeability, and wear and tear. Studies are mixed as to whether the routine use of isolation gowns reduces infection rates. Some studies show no benefit. PPE may be contaminated during patient care activities by microorganisms spread by contact, droplets or aerosols from patients’ body fluids. They have the potential to transmit microorganisms from one place to another. In one study, MRSA or VRE were detected on the gowns and/or gloves of healthcare workers involved in routine clinical care as low as 4% and as high as 67%. A number of studies found frequent contamination of nurses’ uniforms and transmission of bacteria through uniforms. S. aureus was found on cotton coats 12.6%, plastic aprons 9.2% and uniforms 15% in an isolation ward. Healthcare worker coats and uniforms were contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria 63% of the time and 50% of all samples tested positive for pathogenic organisms. Depending on the material used in the PPE, and the relative humidity of the air, the persistence of viruses can range from a few weeks to several months.

Approximately 80% of hospitals in the U.S. use single-use, disposable gowns and drapes. They are typically made of non-woven synthetic materials for increased protection against liquid penetration, such as plastic films (polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene). Reusable gowns are more popular in Europe. They are typically made of 100% cotton, 100% polyester or a polyester/cotton blend and are chemically finished to enhance liquid barrier protection. They must be laundered after each use and are generally used for 50 or more washing/drying cycles.

Generally, disposable gowns have been inexpensive and easily produced in high quantities. However, the recent global pandemic quickly used up supply and made it almost impossible to acquire enough protective equipment to protect healthcare workers. Healthcare facilities and EMS had to get creative and explore alternatives for surgical and isolation gowns. Additionally, organizations are looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative that doesn’t generate large amounts of medical waste containing potentially hazardous viruses.

Union Jack healthcare customers have been successfully implementing our reusable 6 mil protective gowns as alternatives to single-use, disposable isolation gowns. They are made of FDA-compliant polyurethane which is antimicrobial, impervious to body fluid or substances, waterproof and non-porous. They come color-coded in 5 bright colors which can aid in segmenting areas of care or application. They can be easily cleaned and sanitized after each use in the washer/dryer or by dipping in a disinfectant and hang drying. They provide full sleeve protection with elastic cuffs. They are lightweight, comfortable, open back, and available in large or extra large for your staff. Our reusable gowns last 10x longer than disposable gowns, they are better for the environment, they reduce medical waste and they are excellent for infection control.

How can we help?

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality hygienic cleaning and material handling tools to the most critical work environments. Please reach out to us at 800-672-8119 or via our contact form with any questions about how to best implement the use of our personal protective equipment (PPE) products in your healthcare facility.

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