Medical Isolation Gowns: How to Wear Them in the Hospital and What You Should Know

In the event of a pandemic or highly infectious outbreak, healthcare institutions will need to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. This means implementing practices that go above and beyond standard infection control measures to reduce the risk of exposure as much as possible. This can include things like checking visitors for signs of illness before they enter the hospital so they cannot spread germs to anyone inside; assigning hospital beds based on how likely someone is to be infected and even instituting hospital gowns that cannot be torn easily or have loose strings because this makes it easier for germs to spread from one person to another. These are all things medical isolation gowns help with because they go above and beyond the standard hospital gown to facilitate patient safety during an outbreak. Here’s what you should know about medical isolation gowns if you’re ever in the hospital during a particularly risky time for contracting additional infections.

 

What is a Medical Isolation Gown?
A medical isolation gown is a gown that’s usually white and made from a thicker material than regular hospital gowns. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs from the patient to their surroundings and vice versa. To accomplish this, isolation gowns are designed with a few special features. First, the front is a full-length opening that doesn’t have buttons or a zipper. This means whoever is wearing the gown can easily self-dress without assistance. Additionally, the gown’s drawstring is usually thick and doesn’t have a knot at the end of it. This way, it’s less likely to get caught on something and cause an infection. Isolation gowns are sometimes worn in conjunction with masks, gloves, and other infection control gear to further reduce the risk of spreading germs. Depending on the situation, certain hospitals may require the use of isolation gowns by certain patients, staff members, or visitors. If you’re in one of those groups, you should be aware that you may be asked to wear isolation gowns if the situation requires it.


Who Will Wear an Isolation Gown?
Anyone who is at risk of contracting an infection that could easily spread to others will be required to wear an isolation gown. If a pandemic is in progress, for example, anyone who enters the hospital for treatment will likely be required to wear an isolation gown. This includes visitors so that they can’t spread the virus to others. If you are in a situation where this may be necessary, rest assured that it’s for the safety of everyone involved, including you! If you are in a high-risk group, such as being pregnant, having major surgery, have a chronic disease that puts you at risk for infection (like diabetes or a weakened immune system), or you have had blood or any other type of transfusion, you will likely be required to wear an isolation gown. If you are suspected of having an infectious disease like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, or tuberculosis, you will also be required to wear an isolation gown while in the hospital.


Why Are Medical Isolation Gowns Necessary?
Since many medical isolation gowns are designed to be easy to put on and take off, it’s easy to see why they are necessary. If a person in a high-risk group is suspected of having an infectious disease or if they have major surgery, they will almost certainly be required to wear an isolation gown. This is necessary to reduce the risk of transmitting an infection to other patients who may be more vulnerable due to their age or other health conditions. It’s also necessary for staff members who may be at risk of transmitting the infection to other patients. If a dangerous pandemic is in progress, wearing an isolation gown will help prevent you from having a false sense of security. Since these gowns are designed to be easy to put on and take off without assistance, they allow you to do things for yourself without needing help from another person who may have an infection and therefore may not be able to assist if you need it.


How to Wear an Isolation Gown
If you are required to wear an isolation gown, there are a few things you should know before putting it on. Be sure to read the instructions on the back of the gown very carefully, and then discard any packaging the gown came in. You don’t want to create potential contamination by storing it or reusing it. Once you’ve removed the gown from its packaging and read the instructions, start by putting on a clean pair of underwear. Then, put the gown on over your head, making sure it’s inside out so that the clean part of the gown is touching your skin. After you’ve put the gown on, tuck your hands under the back of the gown. Put on a clean mask, and clean gloves, and you’re done!


FAQ: Hospital Etiquette During a Pandemic or Highly Infectious Outbreak
If you have been admitted to the hospital for treatment during a pandemic or highly infectious outbreak, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding hospital etiquette. For example, don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel that your room needs to be cleaned or if you have concerns about the way you’re being treated by staff. You can always talk with a supervisor if you feel like someone is not doing their job properly and you fear for your safety or comfort. You’re also allowed to ask visitors to leave the hospital if they are sick or you are just generally uncomfortable with people being in your room. The last thing you want to do is put yourself or other patients at risk of contracting an infection! In addition, try to avoid walking around in your isolation gown as much as possible. While it only takes a few seconds to put on and take off your gown, you want to limit these moments as much as possible. When you do have to put on or take off your gown, make sure to cover your body with a sheet as much as possible.


Conclusion
If you’ve been admitted to the hospital during a pandemic or highly infectious outbreak, be sure to follow the hospital’s instructions regarding how to wear your medical isolation gown. This way, you can help protect both yourself and other patients from contracting an infection. In addition, be sure to follow proper hospital etiquette during this stressful time so that you can get the best care possible. Hefei Hongwei Medical Devices Co., Ltd is a professional China Medical Isolation Gowns manufacturer and supplier for hospital operating rooms and clinics, welcome to learn more at our website and feel free to contact us at any time.