Understanding the AAMI Standard in the Selection of Isolation Gowns:

by Melvin Joe Blogger

“Isolation Gowns”, “Surgical Gowns” are considered as a very important “Medical Device”, “Protective Shield” to Medical Professionals. Healthcare Textiles manufacturers considering the Barrier factors to produce Medical Gowns. Because medical gowns comprise of Barrier properties against the fluid, would protect medical professionals against the Microbes and infectious liquids while they contact them in the treatment process.

AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) established some standards for surgical gowns and other Healthcare Textiles used in the critical zones.

AAMI Standard ( ANSI/AAMI PB70 ) has defined the fluid and microbes resistance of the medical gowns and drapes for the critical zone where Medical Professionals handling the fluids like blood and other liquids.

Depending upon the Protection level AAMI Standards give Ratings:

Level 1: Minimal Fluid Barrier Protection

Level-1 Medical gowns are not used in the OR and they have a minimal level of fluid resistivity and used in the regular patient care section where fluid exposure is low.

Applicable areas: Basic Care unit of Hospitals

Level 2: Low Fluid Barrier Protection:

Level -2 Protective gowns used in the lower level of fluid exposure surgical process.

Applicable Areas: Blood taken from the vein, Pathology Labs, Suturing

Level 3: Moderate Fluid Barrier Protection:

Level-3 Isolation Gowns used in the Surgical procedure where exposure to the fluid is at a moderate level.

Applicable areas: Emergency room, Blood draw in Arterial

Level 4: Highest Fluid Barrier and Microbial Barrier Protection:

Level -4 Medical Gowns providing protection against the infectious microorganisms and fluid at a high level.

Applicable areas: Place where a large amount of Fluid Exposure.

Understand the barrier protective properties of Medical Gowns before getting them for medical professionals.