Raising the bar on surgical gowns and drapes

Healthcare Purchasing News, Sept, 2004 by Jeannie Akridge

"Preferably they all work together for a system that is cost effective, gives the least risk for surgical site infections, and is easy to apply and store," she concludes.

AAMI Specifications

Classification of barrier performance of surgical gowns, other protective apparel, surgical drapes, and drape accessories

Level           Test                         Result

  1     AATCC 42 (Spray Impact)         [less than or equal to] 45 g
  2            AATCC 42                 [less than or equal to] 1.0 g
        AATCC 127 (HydroHead)           [greater than or equal to] 20 cm
  3            AATCC 42                 [less than or equal to] 1.0 g
               AATCC 127                [greater than or equal to] 50 cm
  4     ASTM F1670 (Drapes and          Pass
              Accessories)
        ASTM F1671 (Surgical Gowns      Pass
        and Other Protective Apparel)