A Study to Assess the Prevailing Performance Specifications for Surgical Gowns and Scrubs in Pakistan | [Annals of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences • 2011]

Author(s):

1. Farzana Kishwar: Department of Textile & Clothing, Home Economics College, Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan

2. Filza Zafar Khan: Textile Lab, Applied Chemistry Research Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan

3. Shahzad Alam: PCSIR, Laboratories Complex, Lahore, Pakistan

4. Mohd. Tariq Sohail: Orthopedics Department, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract:

Background: Around the world, majority of the public and private sector hospitals are using reusable gowns and scrubs whereas only a few hospitals are using disposable ones. Protection during surgery is very important both for the patient as well as for the surgeon. The reasons are not only hygienic but also creating a barrier so that the bacteria and the viruses do not transfer from patient to doctor and vice versa. The surgical gowns have been in use for many decades. With the advancements in the field of manufacturing (weaving and finishing), the quality of gowns has been improving over the period of time. Objective: 1. To evaluate the physical characteristics of surgical apparels (gowns & scrubs) currently being used in different public sector hospitals of Lahore. 2. Comparison of results with existing/available performance requirements. Study Design: The design of study is Experimental (Quantitative Research) Materials and Methods: Samples of fabric used for making surgical gowns and scrubs were collected from different hospitals of Lahore and evaluated for different fabric properties viz. mass per unit area, construction analysis (number of threads per unit length) and tensile properties in accordance with EN and ISO standards, in standard atmosphere for testing textiles. Results: The results obtained were compared with the available international standards and limited research studies done in the area of surgical apparels yet. It was found that none of the samples collected meet the minimal requirements available yet. So, there is a dire need of some minimal criteria of surgical apparels for the safety of the patients as well as of the health care personnel. Conclusion: To control infection in surgical patients, aseptic measures taken do reduce the risk to significant level. Next very important and attention seeking area is good quality apparels which should be strong, comfortable & resistant to medical aqueous solutions & body fluids. None of our collected samples meet the specifications and requirements cited in international standards and research studies available thus presenting a hiatus in control of infection and disease transmission. Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority must develop some standard regarding fabric construction and performance specifications of surgical apparels and drapes (reusable & disposable) in the light of international standards and research studies available and should also play a role in the implementation of these standards in public and private sector hospitals.

Page(s): 104-108

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Annals of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Volume: 7, Issue: 2, Year: 2011

Keywords:

Surgical apparels , reusable , physical parameters , fabric properties

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