A breakthrough in health care textiles – antiviral surgical gown

Abstract

The surgical gowns were originally used to protect patients from post-surgery infection caused by contaminants in the environment. In the recent health care scenario, the function of surgical gowns has become bidirectional. They serve to minimize the cross-infection between patients and health care workers. The health care workers are mainly being exposed to various blood borne pathogens when performing surgeries or post surgeries. The surgical gowns are specifically used to protect the health care workers from being exposed to infectious agent’s particularly blood-borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus, which could be acquired by contact between the contaminated body fluids and non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Health care workers in operating rooms, isolation areas, emergency rooms and intensive care units are in absolute and essential necessity of Protective clothing. As a part of personal protection, surgical gowns are used as protective equipment, widely in healthcare facilities. Surgical gowns can be constructed by either single-use materials or reusable materials. Each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages. Woven reusable surgical gowns can be made of tightly woven all-cotton muslin, blended sheeting, polyester sheeting and composite materials.