Healthcare professionals are at the most significant risk of contracting an infection and therefore require adequate PPE (Personal Protective Gear) to protect them from the infection and prevent cross-contamination.
Gloves, aprons, and gowns are essential protective gear that must be worn by all healthcare workers when performing a procedure or surgery. However, keep some important points in mind, or they may increase the risk. You can click here for more information.
PPE – Not a Substitute for Hygiene
Please be aware the PPE is no substitute for hygiene. Please ensure proper hand hygiene before putting on and removing PPE. Ensure you wash your hands with soap and sanitiser before and after using any of the PPE gear. Most importantly, buy only HACCP-certified gowns and aprons that come with waist ties, neckties, dispenser boxes, and waterproof materials.
Single-Use and Fast Disposal
Disposable gowns and aprons are for single-use only and should not be washed for reuse. They should be disposed of immediately after removal.
Safe Material
Gowns are made of liquid-proof poly-coated material. It has long sleeves with cuffs and an adjustable neckline with neck binding ties. Cover gowns, on the other hand, are meant to cover the entire body and are made of fluid-resistant, non-woven polypropylene material.
Isolation gowns are meant to provide high protection to wearers and patients with highly contagious infections. These are made of single-ply polypropylene material with no stitches. They have glued seams to prevent the passage of fluid or bacteria.
Aprons, too, are made of poly-coated material and are generally worn over other protective apparels for added hygiene and protection because of exposure to various hazards in the hospital. Plastic aprons are used in different areas like operation theatre, patient wards, isolation wards, and ICU.
Use of Disposable Aprons
Disposable, single-use plastic aprons are recommended for general clinical use when coming in contact with patients, material, or equipment, leading to contamination of uniform and other clothing with microorganisms.
Aprons are also to be worn when coming in contact with blood, bodily fluids, or chemicals. If there is a risk of an excessive splashing of blood or bodily fluids, full-body gowns may be recommended.
Removing the Aprons
When removing the apron, roll it downwards from the chest with the outer surface going in to avoid touching the contaminated outer surface with hands. Remember to dispose of it in a hazardous waste bin only.
Disposable aprons and plastic gowns are made of Polypropylene and Polyethylene fabrics, which are comfortable and skin-friendly to be worn throughout the day and for long hours. The fabric is durable, comfortable, and tear-resistant. They are readily available online at reasonable rates. For more details, you can click here.
To conclude, while PPE or any protective gear is meant to protect the wearer and others from contracting infections, it is only effective if used, worn, and disposed of correctly. You must keep the above-mentioned points in mind while buying and using PPE.
Getting it wrong at any stage will simply defeat the whole purpose and contaminate the surface or body, leading to infections.
As an expert in healthcare safety and infection prevention, I bring to the forefront a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Having actively participated in healthcare settings, I understand the critical importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in safeguarding healthcare professionals from infections and preventing cross-contamination.
The article rightly emphasizes the significance of PPE in protecting healthcare workers, with a focus on gloves, aprons, and gowns. Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:
-
PPE – Not a Substitute for Hygiene:
- Emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene before donning and doffing PPE.
- Highlights that PPE is a complement to hygiene practices, not a replacement.
-
Single-Use and Fast Disposal:
- Stresses the crucial point that disposable gowns and aprons are for single-use only.
- Recommends immediate disposal after use to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
-
Safe Material:
- Specifies the characteristics of gowns, including liquid-proof poly-coated material, long sleeves with cuffs, and adjustable neckline with ties.
- Differentiates cover gowns made of fluid-resistant, non-woven polypropylene material from isolation gowns designed for high protection against contagious infections.
-
Use of Disposable Aprons:
- Advocates for the use of disposable, single-use plastic aprons in various healthcare settings to prevent contamination.
- Specifies scenarios where aprons should be worn, such as when in contact with blood, bodily fluids, or chemicals.
-
Removing the Aprons:
- Provides a step-by-step guide on the correct method of removing aprons to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Emphasizes the importance of disposing of aprons in designated hazardous waste bins.
-
Material Composition:
- Highlights that disposable aprons and plastic gowns are made of comfortable and skin-friendly materials such as Polypropylene and Polyethylene.
- Emphasizes the durability, comfort, and tear-resistant nature of the fabric.
-
Conclusion:
- Reiterates the overarching theme that the effectiveness of PPE relies on correct usage, proper wearing, and appropriate disposal.
- Warns that any lapse in adherence to guidelines may lead to contamination and defeat the purpose of using PPE.
In conclusion, the comprehensive information provided underscores the critical role of PPE in healthcare settings and emphasizes the necessity of informed decision-making when selecting, using, and disposing of protective gear. The article serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals and stakeholders involved in maintaining a safe and hygienic healthcare environment.
