Although the surgeon/patient gown and another apron may be considered additional gear for healthcare professionals, the way you choose and use these apparel is extremely important to the safety and professional performance in healthcare environments.
Aprons and Gowns - Functions
The aprons or gowns are required at any time you have close contact with patients, materials, or equipment that may lead to the contamination of skin, uniforms, or other clothing to infectious agents, bodily liquid, or substances. As a rule, aprons or gowns are used upon entering the room of patients or operation theatres.
Aprons and Gowns - Types
Aprons - The plastic apron is designed for single use and is disposable. It is designed to be fluid-resistant. The plastic apron is required to be used in low-risk cases where they may be possibilities of clothing exposure to blood or body substance. This gear is advised for contact precautions in general use.
Gowns Types, for various cases.
- The plastic gowns are designed to be disposable for single use. It is worn to protect skin and clothing possibly splashing or sprays of blood, or bodily substances.
- The full body gown or the gowns with different lengths of sleeves depending on the procedure being undertaken.
- Pre-packed, sterile gowns are required for aseptic cases.
How to choose and how to wear aprons/ gowns
Three main factors to consider in picking the best apron/gown for your needs:
1. the volume of body substances or liquid likely to be encountered
2. the extent and type of exposure to blood, and body substance
3. the type and route of transmission of infectious agents
When you wear a fluid-resistant, full-body gown, you always have to wear it in combination with gloves and another PPE indicated.
Remove aprons or gowns before leaving the patient-care areas in order to prevent any possible contamination.
The gears have to be changed between individual patients.
When removing them, you have to remove them in a manner to prevent any contamination of clothing or skin: the outer ‘contaminated’ side of the gown has to be turned inward and rolled into a bundle, and then discarded in a designated area.
The new aprons and gowns must be stored in clean, dry, and contamination-free areas.
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