A medical isolation gown offers superior protection from entering medical related fluids by acting as an effective barrier against any potentially harmful material coming in contact with the wearer. These gowns come with many advantages to patients and wearers alike: they are comfortable to wear, can be washed easily and most importantly, offer high levels of protection. A medical isolation gown usually contains a tight-fitting bodice, usually in white or other light color; a flap of thin material that covers the stomach; a sheet-like piece of fabric that covers the torso; and a thin waist belt. The bodice is normally of one piece to prevent leakage. A sleeve or hood is also available to protect the head from airborne dust or allergens. Medical isolation gowns come with some additional features which provide different advantages to wearers and employers:
Disposable isolation gowns: These medical gowns are used in healthcare settings only and are used in situations where the possibility of spreading contamination is extremely high. However, since these gowns are used only in a specific setting and may be required to be changed regularly as they get dirty, they are less expensive and do not consume much labor as compared to the ready-made, prefabricated gowns. In addition, disposable gowns can be thrown away after each use saving money for employers. Disposable gowns may be purchased online or in specialized stores.
Ready-made gowns: Ready-made medical isolation gowns are made from various fabrics such as nylon, vinyl, polyester or Lycra. Nylon is the most commonly used fabric in ready-made gowns and provides a good match for a wide range of skin colors and body types. Fabric care is another important factor to consider when purchasing ready-made medical isolation gowns as loose or very large fabric tend to attract moisture causing bacterial growth. Polyester and vinyl remain dry and prevent irritation and mold growth. A medical facility may also choose to buy gowns made of 100% cotton because of the ability to absorb moisture. Cotton has the highest absorbency level of all non-woven materials.
Prefabricated gowns: Prefabricated medical isolation gowns are available at affordable prices and are a good option if a person needs a gown that can be used multiple times. Although these gowns have many positive features such as easy maintenance, they lack some important factors that are necessary to provide optimal protection. Since these garments are constructed from mostly non-woven materials, they may not be able to provide complete coverage. Moreover, they cannot retain their color or feel as well as those made from woven or premium quality materials.
Medical Assisted Transfer Products: If an individual requires special medical care that cannot be provided through standard medical isolation gowns, disposable isolation gowns can be purchased. Disposable gowns are designed for every day wear and come with multiple washable linings and pockets. These products are an excellent choice for patients who need a quick, easy alternative to disposable gowns.
Medical Kits and Accessories: For people whose health needs require more specialized protection, there are many medical kits available. These kits include everything needed for patient care and all the products needed to maintain a clean, comfortable environment. Some of the essential items in a medical kit includes the disposable medical isolation gown (the gown that is cleaned and washed on a regular basis), a body glove (a white cotton blend that will help reduce friction during movement) and eye protection. All of these products are designed to provide optimal protection from bacteria and infection.